WINNIPEG, July 21, 2006 Low - to moderate-income residents of Winnipeg's north end will have access to more affordable housing with the upgrading and complete renovation of 14 homes by the North End Housing Project. The project is being funded with over $900,000 from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI). Today's announcement was made by Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; the Honorable Christine Melnick, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing; and Deputy Mayor Mike Pagtakhan, Councillor for the Point Douglas Ward on behalf of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. "These fully renovated and upgraded homes will provide low or moderate income citizens with access to quality, affordable housing and the new homeowners will, in turn, play a positive role in the revitalization of four neighbourhoods," said Minister Melnick. "This housing project, in the heart of the city, will be a real boost to the neighbourhood," said Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "It's exciting to see the revitalization of the city and more opportunities for affordable housing being created for young families." The project involves purchasing and then significant renovations to 14 homes in four neighbourhoods - William Whyte, Point Douglas, St. John's and Dufferin. The newly upgraded houses will provide low-to moderate-income people with reasonably-priced and comfortable homes they can purchase. "This is another great example of the work being done to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods and to provide safe, affordable housing options," said Deputy Mayor Pagtakhan. "We're rehabilitating 14 homes in the North End and, in turn, we're working to make our communities more stable, vibrant and safe." North End Housing Project Inc. has extensive experience upgrading and renovating neglected homes, successfully completing projects involving more than 75 such homes to date. "We are extremely proud to be working with the three levels of government in bringing about change and renewal in the North End and appreciate their support to create more affordable housing in the area," said Caroline Sorge, of North End Housing Project Inc. "The reward is being able to help low or moderate income families who are so thankful to be in a house they thought they'd never own." Total project costs are estimated at $1.6 million with the balance of the funds coming from private financing. The WHHI funding includes approximately $591,850 from the governments of Canada and Manitoba under the cost-shared Canada - Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative's New Rental Supply Program; $175,800 through the City of Winnipeg's Housing Initiative; and $140,000 from the Manitoba government's Neighbourhood Housing Assistance Program. The funding is coordinated by the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative, a partnership established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg to address homelessness, declining housing stock and the revitalization of Winnipeg's older neighbourhoods. Since 2000, the WHHI partnership has committed over $78 million to repair, rehabilitate or construct over 3,000 units of housing as well as assist the homeless or those at risk of being homeless. The WHHI is a single-window office for community organizations to access information on government funded housing and homelessness programs. For information, organizations or citizens can call 204-940-3070. For further information, please contact: Brian Williamson Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) 204-984-0592 Caroline Sorge North End Housing Project Inc. 204-953-1895
