Nearly half of Manitobans struggling financially, new survey shows

A recent survey commissioned by the United Way reveals that 42 per cent of Manitobans are uncertain how they’ll cover basic expenses this month, with financial stress affecting households across all income levels, not just low-income families. 

“We encounter people who are using their credit cards as a source of income because it’s the only solution they have to feed their family or keep a roof over their head, but we also see people who are doing everything right,” said Dana Erickson, Community Financial Counselling Service.

Erickson says the demand for financial help keeps growing, with his team filling nearly 20,000 tax returns and benefit applications last year alone. He also notes that services like his rely on sustainable funding from the United Way to keep those supports.

“It’s important to do all we can to support the agencies because what they do is critically important work on the front lines, from helping people find housing to providing basic necessities,” said JP Perron, volunteer campaign chair at United Way.

United Way Winnipeg says these services are vital, with more than 125 agencies across the city helping people manage rising costs, secure housing, and access food and mental health supports.

“As part of the 60^th anniversary of the United Way being here for Winnipeg, there is no greater time for us to come together and to continue to support,” said Perron.

In response to the survey, the province says it recognizes the pressures many Manitobans are facing and points to new investments and affordability measures aimed at easing strain.

“That’s why we launched the Your Way Home strategy and invested over $78 million into housing to make sure we have affordable housing and Manitobans have access to it,” said Bernadette Smith, Minister of Housing at Addictions and Homelessness of Manitoba.