Advocates calling for more affordable housing geared towards marginalized people

As the number of people looking for affordable housing in Winnipeg grows, advocates are calling for more housing geared towards marginalized people who may face additional barriers finding a place to live.

One of those people calling for more affordable housing for marginalized people is Mel Byer.

The 73-year-old, who is gay, says he knows of people within the 2SLGBTQ+ community who have felt unwelcome in their own homes.

“Some of us have experienced harassment or some other form of discrimination because of who we are…no violence, but just name calling and rumors going around the building and it just made it an unpleasant place to be,” said Byer.

While Byer feels fortunate to live in a building he feels welcome in, the experiences of others, especially older members within the 2SLGBTQ+ community has still affected him.

“I think twice before I invite someone into my place, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. What will the neighbors think? My neighbors are pretty open, so I know it’s not too bad, but at the same time, I think about it all the time,” said Byer.

Finding housing is already becoming tougher for Manitobans, but for some people coming from marginalized communities, the task … even harder.

“We really need our governments to step in and support folks through public housing, through housing that’s run by nonprofit organizations who have the expertise to work with the unique demographics that are in need of low income housing to be able to not just provide housing that is affordable to them so they can have some stability from a financial perspective, but can also provide the unique supports that they need and move forward in other parts of their life,” said Kirsten Bernas, Chair of the Provincial Working Group of Right to Housing Coalition.

For those part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, that is exactly what’s happening here in Winnipeg, with the Place of Pride development.

The development is the first affordable housing project in Canada that is geared only towards 2SLGBTQ+ older adults.

“This is the generation who fought for equality in the 70s and 80s and are finding themselves going back into the closet when it comes to entering congregate living or even long-term care. What we’re seeing right now is a really sharp rise in hate in Canada and across the world for 2SLGBTQ+ people,” said Noreen Mian, Executive Director of Rainbow Resource Centre.

Byer is looking to move into the development once it’s completed, both for the community but also for the affordability aspect.

“Where I am, it’s no longer a subsidized building and hasn’t been for a while and in fact it’s been sold to a private developer. The chances of the rent going up are huge…the fact that it’s [housing development] finally happening is amazing as far as I’m concerned.”