|
About WHHI (Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness
Initiative)
The Governments of Canada, Manitoba and the City of
Winnipeg are committed to revitalizing our inner-city neighbourhoods,
providing affordable housing for low to moderate-income citizens
and helping those at risk of becoming homeless. To achieve these
objectives, the three levels of government jointly signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) in 2000 and established the Winnipeg Housing
and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI).
Following the success of the WHHI, Canada, Manitoba
and the City of Winnipeg renewed the MOU in 2003 and again in 2008 to extend the mandate until 2013.
Combining
Resources
To facilitate communication, cooperation and information
sharing between governments and the community, the WHHI operates
from a Single Window Office at 361 Hargrave Street.
This central location serves as a one-stop service
for individuals and community organizations to access information
on government-funded housing and homelessness programs.
The WHHI Single Window brings together the expertise
and resources necessary to realize local community-driven initiatives.
Since opening in 2000, the WHHI has committed funding
to help build, repair or rehabilitate thousands of units in Winnipeg’s
inner city, as well as to enhance programs and services for the
homeless.
top of page
Creating
Affordable Housing
Safe, quality and affordable housing strengthens families
and creates stability in neighbourhoods. Housing improvement priorities
are outlined in a housing plan developed by the local neighbourhood
group and residents. The plan reflects the residents’ vision
of what works best for their neighbourhoods.
Funding for WHHI housing programs is provided by Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Manitoba Family Services and Housing,
and the City of Winnipeg. Programs include:
top of page
Reducing
Homelessness
Homelessness projects are designed to help the most vulnerable people access the resources they need to lead a healthy and independent life.
Proposals are based on a Community Plan developed by representatives from the private and voluntary sectors. This plan identifies the priorities and activities required to address, prevent or reduce homelessness in Winnipeg.
Homelessness projects are funded under the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and delivered through Service Canada/Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).
top of page
Building
Strong Partnerships Builds Strong Communities
Improving neighbourhoods and the quality of life for
the residents is best achieved when government and the community
work as partners toward a common goal.
Through these partnerships, WHHI staff work closely
with the public, private and voluntary sectors to develop local
sustainable solutions to problems at the grass roots level.
House by house, block by block, the WHHI is actively
involved in a united effort to revitalizing the inner city and to
improving the housing and homelessness conditions in our community.
WHHI Partners
• Neighbourhood-based organizations
• Non-profit housing groups
• Community Service Providers
• Professionals in the housing industry: planners, developers,
architects and homebuilders
• Financial institutions
• Other government departments
top of page
Investing
in the Future
Empowering community groups to make decisions about
their neighbourhoods and services and giving them the resources
to effect change, is vital so they can continue to live in the neighbourhood
of their choice.
Involving residents directly in the planning and rebuilding
of their neighbourhoods instills pride in those who live there and
leads to healthier, safer communities. It is also an investment
in the future of our communities, our families and our youth.
Through strategic planning, new and innovative approaches
and a shared commitment towards housing renewal and addressing homelessness,
the WHHI and the community are helping transform inner-city neighbourhoods
into vibrant, desirable places to live.
top of page
|
