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The Manitoba government has introduced a new funding system to support the construction of affordable housing, aiming to provide more Manitobans with safe homes.
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The “Housing Starts Here” online portal will streamline the process for non-profit organizations, Indigenous governments, and municipalities to access a $26-million capital grant program. This program is set to fund 350 social housing units in 2024-25.
Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith emphasized the need for an innovative approach to tackle Manitoba’s affordable housing challenges, noting that Manitoba’s growth demands flexibility in addressing housing needs.
The portal simplifies the application process for forgivable loans, which will enable organizations to purchase and renovate existing buildings or construct new units for social housing. The program also includes rent supplements to keep rents low and funding for support services to aid those facing homelessness.
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Brian Pincott, chair of the Westminster Housing Society, praised the initiative, noting that the increased funding and streamlined processes will help non-profits like his meet the demand for deeply affordable housing. The flexibility provided by the portal enables organizations to act on housing opportunities as they emerge, he said.
Alongside the Housing Starts Here portal, the government is raising the Proposal Development Fund to $5 million. This increase will assist non-profits in moving their affordable housing plans closer to financing, with grants up to $250,000 and repayable loans up to $50,000 available.
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