Manitobans escaping gender-based violence to get housing support under new $27M program

People fleeing gender-based violence will be able to find safe housing more quickly, thanks to a first-of-its-kind program from the Manitoba and federal governments, the province says.

Both governments have earmarked a combined $27.5 million over five years toward a new funding stream to support housing for gender-based violence survivors under the Canada Housing Benefit program.

The money, split evenly between each government, has the potential to support 2,600 households, with funding provided to applicants through Manitoba's Rent Assist program, the province said.

"We know that safe housing provides stability and helps people reach their potential," provincial Housing Minister Bernadette Smith said at a news conference at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Tuesday.

"The new benefit … will give survivors the courage to leave and feel safe, secure and stable in their homes."

Renters or homeowners can apply for the benefit through one of 10 shelter agencies in Manitoba. The benefit ranges from a minimum of $350 a month for a studio or one-bedroom home to a maximum of $805 a month for three or more bedrooms, Smith said.

The exact amount is based on family size and average housing rates.

The Canada Housing Benefit was launched as part of the federal Liberal government's national housing strategy in 2017, and aims to help people experiencing homelessness, youth leaving Child and Family Services and people with mental health and addictions issues find housing.

The new program adds to this list, offering a benefit stream for survivors of gender-based violence that can be accessed now, Smith said.

It also removes the requirement for income testing in the first year of the benefit, which means people accessing the program won't have to provide income statements and other documentation right away — things they may not have thought to gather when fleeing a violent situation, said Lorie English, the executive director of the West Central Women's Resource Centre in Winnipeg, at the news conference.

"When we remove these kinds of barriers we make it possible for people to permanently leave violence faster," she said.

Manitoba is the first Canadian province to create a program under the federal housing benefit that removes this requirement.

'Trauma-informed approach'

English said getting rid of income-testing means organizations like hers can prioritize getting people into safe housing first, and then working through the paperwork later.

She called it a "trauma-informed approach," adding that it can shorten the process of getting people housed from months to days.

"Imagine if you can, needing to flee your home in fear, with nothing but the clothes on your back and whatever you can think to grab on your way out the door," English said.

"You know you can't go home, and you don't know what your next steps will be.… This is the reality of many of the people that we work with."

Both Smith and federal Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal hinted that more housing announcements are coming in each of their governments' upcoming budgets.

"That is what the national housing strategy is all about — providing support to people across Canada with a focus on those who need it most," Vandal said at the news conference. 

"Together we have the power to tackle housing affordability challenges for all Manitobans."

The provincial budget will be released April 2, and the federal budget is expected to be tabled April 16.