The Manitoba Métis Federation celebrated the grand opening of a 20-unit transitional Housing First program building in Winnipeg on Monday.

“When I was at the lowest part of my life, I didn’t want to stay there. I wanted to get out, but I needed supports and that’s what we’re doing here,” Will Goodon, MMF housing minister, said at the gathering at 670 Main St.

Fre Maachi (“fresh beginnings,” in Michif) is a three-storey building featuring four two-bedroom suites and 16 studios. All units come fully furnished; six are wheelchair accessible. Amenities include a spiritual room, computers, free Wi-Fi and laundry, and 24-hour security.

The project cost nearly $5 million to complete. The City of Winnipeg provided $3.4 million via the federal Rapid Housing Initiative; MMF supplied the rest.

Fre Maachi manager Jaunita Nepinak helped move the first resident into the building. A welcome package was waiting for him with hygiene products, cleaning supplies and a L’Assomption sash.

“He loved it,” Nepinak said. “It’s a big step up from where he came from.”

Coming from a shelter to having your own suite with your own belongings and bed makes a big difference, Nepinak said.

In the 2022 Winnipeg Street Census of residents experiencing homelessness, 9.8 per cent of participants identified as Métis.

Although the building is “Métis specific,” it won’t turn anyone away, Nepinak said.

However, tenants need one thing: goals.

“They need to have some goals, education, environment, something to transition into,” Nepinak said.

There is a drastic shortage of resources to meet the complex needs of individuals impacted by homelessness, said End Homelessness Winnipeg chief executive officer Jason Whitford.

Access to addiction services, Child and Family Services and employment training will be some of the supports available at Fre Maachi.

“If somebody wants help writing a resumé or just getting into school or… to take those next steps for their own personal success, that’s what we’re going to do,” Goodon said.

Families Minister Rochelle Squires said such wraparound services are vital.

“It is certainly one thing to provide housing for individuals, but a lot of people we know need more than just a key to a new place to be successfully housed,” Squires said Monday.

Fre Maachi is the first housing project run entirely by the MMF.

Whitford said it is exciting because there is a need for Indigenous-led initiatives to connect culture and identity.

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

Head Start

Weekday Mornings

A quick glance at the news for the upcoming day.

Sign up for Head Start

Sign Up

I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

“Culturally appropriate resources and solutions that look at the pain, the trauma, is very powerful as a healing resource,” Whitford said.

The MMF construction plans continue. It will demolish two properties this spring to build a 12-unit side-by-side to be completed by early summer of 2024 to house youth aged 16 to 24.

Goodon said he wants to continue partnering with governments to replicate the housing models in other areas such as Brandon, Thompson and Selkirk.

“We know there are other urban centres that have homelessness issues, and our citizens deserve to have services, no matter where they live.”

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca