Federal, provincial governments help Main Street Project with new shelter costs

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This article was published 25/01/2022 (1066 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Main Street Project is receiving funding from the provincial and federal governments after expanding its shelter space to allow for safer social distancing.

The new shelter space was developed in December 2020 at the former Mitchell Fabrics building at 637 Main St., increasing overnight capacity to 120 beds from 70 at its former location.

MSP executive director Jamil Mahmood said the new facility has consistently reached or exceeded capacity since it opened.

“The onset of the pandemic magnified the need for appropriate space and our funders stepped up to support our efforts to purchase and renovate quickly,” he said in a statement. “The shelter has been highly used 24-7 since opening, offering low-barrier services to thousands of people with nowhere else to turn.”

Now, $1.5 million from the federal government and Manitoba Housing will go to support capital costs for the acquisition of the building. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. has invested $2 million through the National Housing Strategy’s National Housing Co-investment Fund that will go to construction costs.

“Adequate overnight options for people experiencing homelessness are essential, especially in the colder winter months,” said Families Minister Rochelle Squires.

“Although more work is needed to support Manitoba’s homeless population, Main Street Project’s success in expanding its shelter will help more people find a safe place to stay and to receive support.”

The Winnipeg Foundation has donated $500,000 and MSP has received more than $800,000 in private donations.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca