The Manitoba government has announced that 249 people who were previously living in encampments have now been placed in housing.
The placements were completed through the province’s Your Way Home strategy, which was introduced at the beginning of last year to help people experiencing homelessness move into safer and more stable accommodation.
Housing Minister Bernadette Smith said the individuals were moved into transitional housing or permanent supportive housing with assistance from several community organizations and local partners.
Housing Placements Increase Since February
The latest total represents an increase from February, when the Manitoba government reported that 186 people had been housed through the same initiative.
The province says the growing number of placements demonstrates continued progress toward helping people leave encampments and access housing that includes appropriate support services.
Chronic Homelessness Remains a Major Challenge
Despite the progress, homelessness continues to rise in Winnipeg.
In April, End Homelessness Winnipeg reported that the number of people entering homelessness was increasing faster than the number being placed in stable housing.
According to the organization, approximately 4,463 people in Winnipeg were experiencing chronic homelessness. This category includes individuals who have remained homeless for at least six months or have repeatedly experienced homelessness over several years.
Manitoba Aims to House Around 700 Encampment Residents
The provincial government says it remains on track to secure housing for an estimated 700 Manitobans currently living in encampments.
This initiative forms part of Manitoba’s broader commitment to end chronic homelessness across the province by 2031.
Housing 249 encampment residents represents meaningful progress under Manitoba’s Your Way Home strategy. However, the rising number of people experiencing chronic homelessness shows that continued housing investment, community partnerships and long-term support services will remain essential.