Winnipeg Homelessness Crisis Surges to Record 2,469 People

URGENT UPDATE: Winnipeg is facing a homelessness crisis as new data reveals an alarming 2,469 people are currently living without stable housing. This figure, confirmed by a recent street census conducted by End Homeless Winnipeg on November 5, marks the highest count since the organization began tracking the issue in 2014.

The situation is dire for many, including Rhonda Bruce, a resident of the Poplar River First Nation, who has been living in an encampment along the Assiniboine River for a month. “Your clothes are all wet and you have to put it in the garbage,” she said, reflecting the harsh realities faced by those without shelter. Bruce’s struggle is echoed by many others as the city’s homeless population sees record highs.

During a media event for the census release, Justin Woodcock, board member of End Homelessness, stated, “More people are living without housing than ever before, with Indigenous people, youth, older adults and newcomers disproportionately affected.” This statement underscores the urgent need for effective solutions as the city grapples with persistent homelessness.

In response to growing concerns, Bernadette Smith, Manitoba’s Housing Minister, assured that the provincial strategy, known as Your Way Home, is making progress toward ending chronic homelessness by 2031. “We’re right on track to where we want to be,” she announced, despite the record-high numbers.

The latest census indicates that nearly two-thirds of those surveyed have experienced chronic homelessness, defined as being unhoused for over 18 months within the last three years. Since the launch of the Your Way Home strategy in May, the Manitoba government reports that 77 out of the estimated 700 individuals living in encampments have successfully transitioned into housing. “They’re all maintaining their housing. They’re all successfully housed,” Smith noted.

However, challenges remain. According to provincial officials, only 16 housing units have been completed since the NDP took office, with 155 more units in development. Alarmingly, 521 units are yet to commence construction, comprising 75% of the total planned units. Smith emphasized the importance of not just providing shelter but also ensuring that comprehensive support systems are in place for residents.

The report from End Homelessness Winnipeg also warns that the true number of individuals without stable housing is likely significantly higher than recorded. As Winnipeg faces this urgent humanitarian crisis, residents like Bruce are left hoping for immediate solutions. “I hope to rent out a room at a downtown hotel soon,” she said, illustrating the ongoing struggle for stability among the city’s most vulnerable.

This developing story highlights the critical need for action as Winnipeg’s homelessness crisis reaches unprecedented levels. Local authorities and community leaders are under pressure to implement effective strategies to address this urgent issue. What will happen next? The community is watching closely as calls for action grow louder.