Before the end of the month, Manitoba Housing is hoping to immediately house 50 people who are currently, or at risk of becoming, homeless.

Families Minister Rochelle Squires says $2.56 million is being given to the Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association (MNPHA) over the course of two years.

“While housing is foundational to addressing homelessness, sometimes additional supports are needed so people not only stay housed but achieve their goals and thrive,” Christina Maes Nino, executive director of MNPHA says in a statement.

christina nino screenshotMNPHA's Christina Maes Nino says she is looking forward to the partnership. (Screenshot: Government of Manitoba/YouTube)

Between April and January 2021, 735 people were housed by Squires' department, helping them fleeing domestic violence or finding a stable home.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put people experiencing homelessness at even greater risk and we know the importance of permanent housing solutions," the minister says.

MNPHA is being tasked with selecting and overseeing community organizations' proposals of how 250 targeted people will be given housing, either long-term or short-term. The province says Employment and Income Assistance will play a vital role in helping people find housing.

“We have also learned that simply housing individuals who have experienced homelessness is not enough. Additional layers of wrap-around supports for individuals and families will be provided to give them much better chances of success, and this investment will enable the MNPHA to deliver those supports," Squires says.

She is looking for a "wrap-around" method to provide support. Siloam Mission, North End Community Renewal Corporation, West Central Women’s Resource Centre, My Health Team, Salvation Army and Downtown Community Safety Partnership will all be part of the initiative.