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In the Meantime: The Road to Housing

Siloam Mission began in 1987 as a soup kitchen serving people experiencing homelessness and poverty in downtown Winnipeg.

Nearly four decades later, its mission has grown significantly, responding to the changing needs of its Community Members and recognizing that housing is fundamental to hope, healing, and a healthy life journey.

While Housing First is foundational to Siloam Mission’s approach, the reality is that finding a home is not always immediate. There are simply not enough affordable and supportive housing units available in Winnipeg to meet the need. Until housing becomes available, Siloam continues to walk alongside Community Members, helping remove barriers and prepare them for a successful transition into housing.

Six Weeks to Housing – and Sometimes Longer

For Community Members who have recently become homeless, responding quickly can prevent a difficult situation from becoming more entrenched. Siloam Mission’s Rapid Rehousing team works to address immediate barriers and connect individuals with the resources they need to move forward.

Cynthia knows this journey personally. Once a Community Member herself, Cynthia made significant changes in her life, secured housing, completed a Diploma program in Addictions and Community Support Worker, and eventually returned to Siloam Mission as a member who works within the Community Member Services team and has focused on Rapid Rehousing.

Today, she helps Community Members navigate the practical steps toward housing. This may include obtaining identification such as birth certificates, MPI cards, establishing bank accounts, applying for EIA or CPP, securing clothing and basic necessities, and completing applications for subsidized housing, transitional housing, and completing applications for subsidized housing, transitional housing, apartments, or rooming houses.

Cynthia also builds relationships with landlords, accompanies Community Members on housing tours, and advocates for finding the right fit for both tenant and landlord. Her goal is to ensure that individuals do not fall through the cracks while waiting for a home.

The process can take approximately six weeks to several months, and sometimes longer. During that time, Siloam staff maintain regular contact, encouraging Community Members to remain engaged with services, programming, and other community agencies so that hope and momentum are not lost.

Housing Is Just the Beginning

Finding a place to live is an important milestone, but maintaining a home and building a life within a community can bring its own challenges. Siloam’s housing supports recognize that individuals may need assistance learning the practical skills of apartment living, understanding responsibilities, managing daily routines, and navigating relationships with landlords and neighbours.

Once the basics are established, the focus can expand to rebuilding community connections and creating a sense of belonging. For someone who has experienced homelessness, moving into a home can sometimes feel isolating. Developing friendships, reconnecting with family, shopping, attending appointments, or simply enjoying an outing such as a movie can all become meaningful steps toward a new way of life.

The Madison: A Place to Belong

Siloam Mission has been providing supportive housing services for many years. The Madison, located in Winnipeg’s Wolseley neighbourhood and purchased by Siloam in 2012, is one example of how housing and community can come together. Laura, Supervisor of the Madison, says:

“When folks get here, there are so many different things they’re recovering from – trauma and health are two examples. We create a home, a safe place, for people to rest. When they can rest, they can heal. Seeing this transformation is the best part of my work.”

Residents have access to three meals a day, programming, activities, and a safe, walkable community environment. The Madison offers an opportunity to meet others with shared lived experiences in a non-judgmental setting. For many, The Madison is a permanent home, and a place to rebuild relationships with family and reconnect with the broader community.

Siloam’s front-line staff provide practical and emotional support to residents. This may include helping with appointments, job interviews, laundry services, health-care connections, establishing a primary care provider, or obtaining a Winnipeg Public Library card or gym pass.

A Commitment That Continues

Whether a Community Member is staying at Siloam, in a shelter, transitional housing, supportive housing, or their own apartment, Siloam Mission remains committed to meeting people where they are and supporting them at their own pace.

Employees such as Cynthia, Laura, and the many dedicated case workers spend their days connecting, caring, and advocating. Their work ensures that when housing becomes available, Community Members are as prepared and supported as possible to make the transition successfully.

And the relationship does not end when the keys are handed over. Because finding housing is not the final destination. It is the beginning of creating a home, rebuilding stability, and continuing a journey toward healing and hope.

Siloam Mission began nearly 40 years ago by providing a meal to folks in need. Today, through its housing supports, programming, staff, volunteers, and generous donors, it continues to address homelessness in a compassionate and practical way – one person, one barrier, and one home at a time.