Housing project in Manitoba’s Interlake region gears up to expand

A housing project led by the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is expanding in the province’s Interlake region, as the second phase will add ten more transitional units for Indigenous women and their children leaving violence.

The Manitoba government is providing $4 million for the new expansion, for phase one of the project. Phase two will add ten additional studio apartments, creating more space for Indigenous women and families looking for a safe place to transition away from violence or emergency shelters.

“Women, when they’re in crisis and fleeing gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, they need a space then and right there,” said Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families.

While the first phase focuses on Red River Métis women, the second phase will expand access to include First Nations and Inuit women.

“I was really happy when she introduced First Nation and Inuit women. Can we be inclusive of all Indigenous women? It was something we were very welcoming, because it opens a door to work with our extended families, if you will,” said Anita Campbell, the Infinity Women Secretariat with MMF.

Organizers say the facility will provide wraparound supports and cultural programming.

“We need to make sure wherever they are going to move to, coming out of the transitional housing facility, then we need to make sure there’s a plan for them, we are not going to say bye and leave,” said Campbell.

Minister Fontaine added, “Also, we are looking at building up social housing stock in Manitoba, so once women leave phase one or two or transitional housing, that there is actually housing stock to be able to put women in.”

Officials say the grand opening of phase one is expected in May, when the location will be revealed, while phase two is slated to open next spring.

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