The Federal and Provincial Governments have teamed up to help Siloam Mission expand by 50 beds and add resources to help homeless people in Winnipeg stay off the streets. 

The funding is provided through the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement, with $2-million coming from the Provincial Government and $1-million coming from the Federal Government. The funding will help Siloam Mission's Make Room Campaign, which aims to add more than 54,300 square feet of additional shelter, programming and administrative spaces in its current location on Princess St. 

Families Minister Scott Fielding says while the budget it tight for the province, this was a funding decision they felt was important.

"We're really excited about this," said Fielding. "In government money is tight but you have to prioritize projects like this that are going to have an impact in the community." 

"This shows that governments can come together with the community and make something good happen." 

The expansion will also include 33 beds dedicated for women in a private area and will help create a service-based campus at the mission with a new two-storey link between the existing shelter and the new 400 seat dining area located at 303 Princess St.

"Today is a great day," Siloam Mission chief executive officer Jim Bell said. "With this government investment we have surpassed our 70 per cent fundraising benchmark and will be able to put a shovel in the ground to start construction of the new link building this fall. This expansion will make room so that no one is turned away who needs a bed and women will have a private area so they feel safe." 

Robert-Falcon Ouellette, MP for Winnipeg Centre was in attendance on behalf of Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.