Students Design Transitional Housing for Winnipeg’s Homeless

A teacher at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé in Winnipeg has initiated a project aimed at fostering empathy among students by challenging them to design transitional homes for the city’s homeless population. This decision follows a concerning incident on September 9, 2023, when a confrontation occurred between students and a homeless man in the nearby Dakota Forest area.

The incident highlighted a need for greater understanding and compassion towards the unsheltered community. In response, teacher Kay Wojnarski collaborated with End Homelessness Winnipeg to guide her students through the complexities of homelessness and the design of supportive housing. Wojnarski, who teaches design, media, and animation courses, emphasized the importance of using digital design tools while cultivating kindness among her students.

As part of an ongoing unit, students are studying the city’s plans to enhance supportive housing. Several city-owned properties are slated for rezoning to accommodate affordable housing units that will include on-site social support services. Students have been examining satellite images of the selected sites, including one located at 75 Poseidon Bay, which is notably close to their school.

Fifteen-year-old student Sarina Ramuscak expressed her concerns about the plight of homeless individuals during the harsh winter months. “I just wish there was more supportive housing already,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Sarina hopes that the students’ designs will contribute to real-world solutions for the construction of these vital facilities.

As part of the project, Justin Quigley, a housing supply manager from End Homelessness Winnipeg, visited the class to share insights on the multifaceted issues surrounding poverty and housing. Wojnarski also introduced her students to relevant case studies, including a documentary on an Ontario carpenter’s innovative tiny shelter designs.

Students are working in pairs or small groups to create blueprints that include 20 to 25 residential units, communal spaces, and areas for support staff. The designs must accommodate the needs of wheelchair users and individuals with varying mobility. Sarina’s group has proposed features such as a game room, library, and garden, emphasizing the importance of comfort and community in their designs. “Everybody needs that sense of comfort and community in their home,” she noted.

The project encompasses multiple stages, including hand-drawn designs, 3D models crafted using SketchUp software, and virtual tours of the completed facilities. Students are expected to present their designs to the class following the winter break. Classmate Taelon Trudeau is focused on creating a welcoming environment that feels more like home than a temporary stay. He believes it is essential for residents to have access to private spaces for everyday activities, even during short-term stays.

Taelon, who volunteers regularly at 1JustCity, sees this project as a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in design and hopes to pursue a career in architecture.

Wojnarski has observed a significant shift in her students’ perspectives throughout the project. Initially, some students made stigmatizing remarks about homelessness, but now they are prioritizing the needs of potential tenants. “We talk a lot in my class about how we should care about other people,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of compassion in understanding homelessness.

The Louis Riel School Division is currently investigating the allegations surrounding the September incident, but no charges were filed against the homeless man involved. Sarina expressed her dismay at the negative portrayal of students in the community, asserting, “Not all CJS kids are like that.”

Through this project, Wojnarski aims not only to develop her students’ design skills but also to instill a deeper sense of empathy and responsibility towards their community. As the students work on their housing designs, they are learning valuable lessons about the importance of kindness and understanding in addressing the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.