Manitoba Housing Waitlist Reaches Record High in Five Years
The waitlist for public housing in Manitoba has reached a five-year high, with over 7,500 individuals seeking accommodation. This surge highlights a growing crisis within the province’s housing sector, exacerbated by a government focus on tackling homelessness through encampment removal.
Record High Waitlist Statistics
Recent reports indicate that Manitoba’s waitlist for housing has escalated dramatically. As of November 2023, the number of people on the waitlist surpassed 7,500, a notable increase from 5,313 in July 2023. This situation marks the highest level of demand since July 2020, when the waitlist exceeded 8,700 individuals.
Housing Conditions and Experiences
Many families have been on the waitlist for extended periods. For instance, Savanna Huard and her family have been waiting for nearly six years. They currently live in a cramped three-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg, where conditions are far from ideal. Huard shared her frustrations, stating, “They just keep telling me that there’s no space available.”
- Huard’s nine-year-old son sleeps in a converted closet.
- Her 12-year-old daughter occupies a bedroom in the kitchen.
- Unsafe conditions, including needles in the vicinity, have raised concerns about children’s play areas.
Government Response and Housing Development
The recent increase in the waitlist has prompted scrutiny of government actions. Manitoba’s Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister, Bernadette Smith, acknowledges the challenges faced, attributing the situation to previous administrations. Since the NDP took office in October 2023, 51 new social housing units have been constructed.
Currently, there are 278 social units under construction and 581 additional units in development. Maintaining and repairing existing housing has also opened over 2,000 units for occupancy, as part of a broader strategy aimed at improving social housing availability.
Plans for the Future
The province has launched the “Your Way Home” initiative, which aims to house approximately 700 individuals living in encampments by 2031. Since the plan’s inception, 239 people have successfully transitioned into housing, with many utilizing transitional units.
Challenges Beyond Homelessness
Experts argue that the emphasis on ending homelessness may overlook the needs of other low-income households facing housing insecurity. Shauna MacKinnon, a professor at the University of Winnipeg, emphasizes the need for more housing supply to accommodate everyone.
Moreover, Marion Willis from St. Boniface Street Links advocates for a balanced approach. She suggests that relying solely on social housing may not address the wider crisis effectively. Innovative models that involve the private sector could provide needed alternatives for those in precarious living conditions.
The growing waitlist for Manitoba Housing reflects a pressing need for comprehensive solutions in the housing market. Ensuring housing security for vulnerable populations warrants immediate attention and action from government officials.
