End Homelessness Winnipeg

Together we can end homelessness in Winnipeg

Oraye St. Franklyn

Posted: Filed Under: Media Releases

January 29, 2025

Winnipeg, MB – End Homelessness Winnipeg extends its heartfelt congratulations to Kyra Wilson on her election as Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Her leadership and commitment to the rights and well-being of First Nations communities in Manitoba are truly commendable.

Grand Chief Wilson has been a dedicated advocate for Indigenous sovereignty, justice, and community-driven solutions. Her vision aligns with our shared goal of ensuring safe, stable, and culturally appropriate housing for all. We look forward to working together to address the root causes of homelessness and advance reconciliation efforts across the province.

“We recognize the complexity of homelessness, which disproportionately affects First Nations people, and we remain committed to addressing this crisis through meaningful dialogue and collaborative action,” said Jason Whitford, President & CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg. “We look forward to working in partnership and in spirit with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to create lasting, community-driven solutions that prioritize dignity, cultural connection, and housing as a fundamental human right.”

On behalf of End Homelessness Winnipeg, we wish Grand Chief Wilson every success in her new role and stand in solidarity with her leadership in fostering positive change for First Nations and all Manitobans.

Posted: Filed Under: Media Releases

End Homelessness Winnipeg Responds to Manitoba’s Provincial Homelessness Strategy

January 16, 2016

Winnipeg, MB – End Homelessness Winnipeg (EHW) acknowledges Manitoba’s newly announced Provincial Homelessness Strategy, Your Way Home, as an important development in addressing chronic homelessness across the province.

The strategy’s adoption of the Housing First model, a proven approach that combines stable housing with necessary supports, offers a foundation for meaningful progress. The commitment to prioritize housing for 700 individuals currently living in encampments is a positive step toward addressing homelessness in Manitoba. Expanding affordable housing options in the province will be crucial to bridging the housing gap and meeting its increasing demand. Additionally, the appointment of a Senior Advisor to the Premier on Ending Chronic Homelessness reflects a dedicated effort to implement coordinated and effective solutions.

“Although EHW’s mandate is centered on the City of Winnipeg, we welcome the introduction of a province-wide strategy to tackle homelessness,” said Jason Whitford, CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg. “Addressing homelessness requires a unified effort, and this broader approach aligns with the collective goal of ensuring every Manitoban has a safe and secure place to call home.”

As an Indigenous-led backbone organization, EHW is steadfast in fostering sector-wide collaboration, meaningful consultation, and enduring partnerships. Guided by our unique perspective and the recognition of the over-representation of Indigenous people among Winnipeg’s unhoused population, we are committed to working closely with government, community partners, and stakeholders to align efforts, strengthen relationships, and achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes for unhoused individuals.


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For more information, please contact:
 
Oraye St. Franklyn,
Communications Coordinator,
End Homelessness Winnipeg
Cell: 431-323-8896
ofranklyn@endhomelessnesswinnipeg.ca

Posted: Filed Under: Community Blog, Media Releases

In consultation with the Community Advisory Board and Housing Infrastructure and Communities Canada, End Homelessness Winnipeg (EHW), Winnipeg’s Community Entity for Reaching Home, invites applications and letters of interest for funding opportunities to address homelessness prevention, shelter diversion, and the development of transitional or supportive housing.

Capital Funding: Transitional & Supportive Housing

Funding of up to $3,000,000 per project is available to support the creation or redevelopment of housing that addresses transitional and supportive needs for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Key Priorities:

  • Projects for youth or chronically homeless individuals.
  • Initiatives led by Indigenous organizations.
  • Projects must ensure funds are fully expended by December 2025.

Requirements for Letters of Interest:

  • Include project details, financial and sustainability plans, and organizational capacity.
  • Submission deadline: Thursday, January 30, 2025, at noon.

The complete application details and budget forms can be downloaded below.

Letter of Interest – Application Details – Download
Capital Project – Budget Form – Download
Capital Project – Operating Budget Form – Download

Service Delivery: Prevention & Shelter Diversion

Funding of up to $250,000 per project is available for initiatives aimed at:

  • Supporting individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness.
  • Diverting individuals seeking emergency shelter to safe, alternative solutions.

Key Details:

  • Funding Period: April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2028
  • Target Populations: Underserved groups, including youth, veterans, and refugees.
  • Eligible Applicants: Registered non-profits and charities, with preference for Indigenous-led organizations.
  • Submission deadline: Thursday, January 30, 2025, at noon.

The complete application and budget forms can be downloaded below.

Prevention & Shelter Diversion Application Form – Download
Prevention & Shelter Diversion Budget – Download

Submission Details

For inquiries, contact rhadmin@endhomelessnesswinnipeg.ca. Selected organizations will be notified for next steps in February 2025.

Posted: Filed Under: Community Blog

The Ending Homelessness Together gathering wrapped up its final day on December 5, 2024, at the Delta Hotel Winnipeg, leaving a lasting impact on the sector and setting a clear vision for the future. The day opened with a blessing by Elder Mark Hall, followed by a powerful keynote from Clayton Thomas-Müller, who called for a deeper commitment to safeguarding the earth for future generations. Sponsored by the Mayor’s Office, his message highlighted the vital connection between environmental justice and housing security.

The final day was rich with insights. Breakout sessions addressed topics such as youth homelessness, stigma and discrimination, and international success stories. Panels featuring experts and lived-experience advocates shared actionable strategies, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and culturally responsive solutions.

Later in the day, participants discussed peer engagement, data-driven approaches, and supporting newcomers transitioning to permanent housing. These discussions reflected the sector’s commitment to move beyond acknowledgment and toward sustained, coordinated action.

The gathering closed with final reflections led by Niigaan Sinclair, the Ending Homelessness Together Elders Council, CEO Jason Whitford, and a stirring performance by the Buffalo Red Thunder Drum Group. The closing ceremony captured the gathering’s core message: reconciliation, collaboration, and respect must guide efforts to ensure every Winnipegger has a safe and dignified home.

The Ending Homelessness Together gathering ignited a renewed sense of purpose across the sector, laying the foundation for future partnerships and systemic change. As attendees departed, the momentum for coordinated action was evidently renewed, offering hope for a future where homelessness is no longer a reality.

Photo credit: Joey Senft

Posted: Filed Under: Community Blog

The second day of the Ending Homelessness Together gathering, held at the Delta Hotel Winnipeg on December 4, 2024, featured a powerful keynote by award-winning writer and activist Niigaan Sinclair. Addressing a room filled with policymakers, frontline workers, and community members, Sinclair called for service providers to meet people where they are, ensuring that dignity remains at the core of efforts to end homelessness.

Reflecting on Winnipeg’s history of bringing Indigenous people together, Sinclair stressed that lasting change requires sustained action and recognition of ongoing injustices. His message struck a chord with attendees, reminding them that reconciliation and housing justice are deeply intertwined. 

The day began with a Pipe and Water Ceremony conducted by Elders Florence and Phillip Paynter, setting a tone of respect and tradition. Throughout the day, breakout sessions explored critical themes, including the intersection of homelessness and missing persons, the impacts of brain injury and colonial systems, and culturally appropriate housing solutions for specific populations. 

Discussions featured insights from community leaders, frontline workers, and individuals with lived experience, offering actionable strategies to address these issues. The breakout sessions for the day ended with the Elders Advisory Council, comprised of Elders Ivy Chaske, Mary Wilson, Helen Robinson-Settee, Wanbdi Wakita and Linda Schatkowsky, engaged in the Bannock & Tea Grandparents Circle, providing wisdom and insight rooted in cultural knowledge and lived experience.

A spirit of collaboration and determination filled the gathering, as attendees united around a shared goal: coordinated action to ensure safe, dignified housing for all. As the day concluded, it was clear that the momentum for systemic change was building, fostering hope for a future where homelessness is a thing of the past.

Photo credit: Joey Senft