Black-led non-profit developer gets federal funds for affordable housing units in north part of city

A Black-led real estate developer has become the first in Canada to secure federal funding, paving the way for 30 affordable housing units within a new 72-unit development in north Winnipeg.

Non-profit Inuka Community Inc. received $23.3 million through the Affordable Housing Fund, administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. The CMHC set aside $50 million specifically for Black-led organizations to help create more than 500 units.

The new rental complex at 1510 Main St., will include 30 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom units. Thirty of those units, in a mix of sizes, will be designated affordable and aimed at newcomers to the city, with available supports such as debt management, credit building and driver training.

“Lots of sleepless nights to get here,” said Naomi Gichungu, Inuka’s chief executive officer.

Inuka — Swahili for “to rise” — emerged from a virtual gathering of community members during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the pressing housing needs of Black and newcomer communities.

In 2022, the CMHC announced the funding carve-out, offering contributions of up to 40 per cent of project costs for affordable rental housing that benefits Black Canadians.

“The impact this investment will have on lives right here in Winnipeg cannot be understated,” said Liberal MP Rebecca Chartrand. “The project being announced today will help more of our neighbours across Winnipeg feel safe and gain stability by living in affordable homes.” ‘

Manitoba Housing Minister Bernadette Smith said the province is pitching in a $200,000 proposal development loan, over $1 million in capital commitments through Manitoba Housing and $133,000 via Efficiency Manitoba. She also said the province will commit more operational funding to help ensure rent stays affordable.

“These 30 units will remain affordable for at least 20 years, with rent levels tied to household incomes,” Smith said. “By requiring income testing, we’re making sure this housing is reserved for those who need it most.”

The other 42 units will be offered at market value, she said.

In the city’s latest street census data, 12.9 per cent identified themselves as newcomers who are experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg, a sharp increase by more than 10 percentage points over the previous street census held in 2022.

The need for affordable units is greater, Gichungu said, but the funding Inuka received can support only deeply discounted rents for 30 units.

Twenty-four of the affordable units will be one-bedroom suites with proposed rents of $595 per month. Six of the 12 three-bedroom units will also be affordable, at $1,343 per month.

“Inuka’s efforts have not only focused on the physical building, but we have also built a community of potential tenants, supporting them to build credit, pay off high interest-bearing debt, access financial training and coaching, save one month’s rent emergency fund, obtain a driver’s licence and find employment,” Gichungu said.

Inuka has already received 100 applications and expects more.

The building is scheduled to open in July.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca