Transitional Housing Services in Winnipeg
Transitional housing is temporary housing for men, women, children, and families who are homeless, at risk of being homeless or working homeless. Transitional and supportive housing was made to bridge the gap between permanent housing and homelessness.
Most transitional or supportive homes offer support services such as support for addictions, mental health, life skills, and sharing circles. Volunteering your time can be a way to pay for your stay or if you are working but need transitional or supportive housing, some places are free, but some transitional homes may charge you money for the unit. If you are a part of the working homeless, you may be charged up to 30% of your income.
Transitional and supportive housing offers different supports and options depending on the needs of the person or family:
Supportive housing – is affordable permanent housing with supportive services that does not have a time limit on how long you stay. Supportive housing does help people live more stable lives and is an option for people who can no longer manage their households. It was also designed for people with developmental disabilities, at-risk youth, and individuals with low-income housing needs in an apartment community group setting. Supportive housing often includes sharing meals, having personal care and 24-hour on-site support and supervision.
Transitional housing – helps people like the homeless, families fleeing domestic violence, and runaways have a safe environment while preparing them for a permanent home. Transitional housing is not an emergency shelter but usually a single room or apartment in a residence, that people use for assistance transitioning the resident into a permanent affordable home. There's usually a time limit for transitional housing from three months up to three years.
Transitional Housing or Shelters for Men:
Pan Am Place
(88 Arthur Street, Winnipeg MB R3B 1H3, 204-515-2048)
18 to 29-year-old men who are homeless or at risk of being homeless and the residents of the transitional house must participate in fitness routines and complete volunteer hours in exchange for housing, food, and educational/occupational resources.
Forward House
(407 Chalmers Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R2L 0G3, 204-661-8605)
Forward House is a transitional home for men who have experienced incarceration, homelessness, addiction, and/or mental health issues. Only men who have detoxed and have gone through treatment programs and need additional support before transitioning to permanent housing will be considered. Forward House does not accept applications from men with a violent record including sex crimes or those still using alcohol and drugs. Forward House has smaller facilities and does its best to help with its resources.
Transitional Housing or Shelters for Women:
North End Women's Centre
(394 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R2W 2M2, 204-586-7347)
The North End Women’s Centre offers community support through its drop-in centre, counselling programs, healing and wellness, outreach, and family advocacy. The transitional housing is a supportive environment for women and gender-diverse folks. Participants are encouraged to participate in weekly counselling sessions, life skills workshops, and weekly advocacy with EIA, and CFS. Offers access to elders and their teachings and ceremonies.
Dignity House Inc.
(c/o 1977 Norris Road, Winnipeg MB, R2G 4C1, 1-855-812-0136)
Dignity House provides refuge through transitional housing and recovery programs. The program provides mentorship, guided programming, skill building, and random drug testing. To be eligible for this program, you must have recently completed a treatment program for at least 60 days and have a strong commitment to your recovery. Some of the programming includes trauma, boundaries, Bible study, budgeting, 12 Steps, and aftercare.
Transitional Housing or Shelters for Men and Women:
Winnipeg Inner City Missions Inc.
(415 Logan Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3A 0A4, 204-942-8682)
The transitional housing program called A Place of Hope: The First Steps to Independence Program is for single adults who are committed to change. Community programming, enhanced learning, and a safe and supportive environment will help men and women achieve their goals as this program takes five years to complete. You will have to fill out applications and gather personal information as well as a referral, self-assessment, an action plan, and an interview to be a successful program applicant.
Winnipeg Booth Centre
(180 Henry Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 0J8, 204-946-9402)
The Salvation Army Centre of Hope is a 24/7 18+ men and women (on separate floors) overnight shelter. They have food and clothing available for men and women. The workers and volunteers at the Salvation Army Centre of Hope Shelter help look for programs and opportunities for their clients. The Winnipeg Booth Centre helps raise funds for charities and plans and organizes charity events. They help the people who need resources, find those resources, and utilize them with lists of shelters, housing, and health programs.
These programs listed are only a few. There are more programs and places here in Winnipeg willing to help you provide transitional services.
Organizations are always looking for donations and volunteers if you are looking to help.
For a list of other services such as drop-in centers, bagged meals, and mobile outreach providers, see the PDF document below.
By: Tricia Cook, Content Navigator