Welcome to Our New MNPHA Members!
Indigenous Women’s Healing Centre: http://iwhc.ca/; Since 1979, the Indigenous Women’s Healing Centre (IWHC), formerly known as Native Women’s Transition Centre Inc. (NWTC) has worked to support and strengthen Aboriginal women and mothers on their journey of healing and recovery from family violence, addictions, intergenerational issues and institutionalization.
West Broadway Community Organization: https://westbroadway.mb.ca/; West Broadway Community Organization (WBCO), has been a leader in Winnipeg for over 20 years, working with stakeholders to improve tenancies, preserve affordability, refine policies and systems, guide local development, and improve the physical and social condition of our neighbourhood’s housing stock.
New Developing Members
Springfield Heritage Housing: The RM of Springfield has partnered with Dugald Place to create quality housing for Springfield seniors - SHHI is a non-profit corporation
Harriet Street Seniors Housing: is aiming to provide affordable housing for independent seniors from central Winnipeg
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Post 85 Agreement Study
MNPHA engaged Steve Pomeroy of Focus Consulting to examine the impact of expiring Operating Agreements in social housing developed under the federal-Provincial post 1985 non-profit program. The analysis collected project level data across the post 85 portfolio to identify the impact of expires and to estimate the viability gap. It also examines potential remedies to ensure that these legacy projects are preserved in sound condition and continue to provide affordable housing to those in need.
The imminent maturing of post 1985 social housing Operating Agreements presents an existential risk to affordable housing and to the large number of low-income core need households seeking help in Manitoba.
While new social housing will be needed to address demand, it is demonstrated that compared to the cost to build new affordable homes, it is far more cost effective to sustain support to existing community housing, preserve and improve assets and ensure ongoing affordability for households in need and at risk.
The brief concludes with the following recommendations. It is recommended that the province, through Manitoba Housing, pursue the following directions:
- In short term, utilize the CCHI to temporarily extend Operating Agreements expiring in 2021-22;
- Undertake a detailed financial review and building condition assessments (BCAs) across the post 85 portfolio to model future subsidy need, including sufficient funding to facilitate pro-active asset renewal and management;
- Design a reformed funding mechanism to replace RGI subsidy with Rent Assist directly targeting households in need as a parallel mechanism to Rent Assist, but framed and funded under CCHI;
- Facilitate and encourage a transformation in provider operating practice embracing the concept of social enterprise organizations;
- Establish or link to capital funding programs to enable providers to undertake necessary ongoing capital renewal to preserve and improve the existing stock; and
- Establish either a sector based or Manitoba housing regulatory framework, that can monitor for risk (poorly performing non-viable projects), while minimizing the degree of administrative oversight and cost.
Read the full report here.
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Register for MNPHA's Annual General Meeting
Join MNPHA's AGM to hear our year in review, review the financial statements, and vote for your representatives on the Board of Directors.
- 9:30-10:30am Steve Pomeroy of Focus Consulting will share his findings and answer questions on "Addressing the Expiry Challenge: Using Post 1985 expiry to transform the community housing sector in Manitoba"
- 10:45 to 11:45 the MNPHA staff will share updates about their work, and Executive Director Christina Maes Nino will discuss the advocacy plan the MNPHA board is building
- The AGM itself will run from noon to 12:45pm
Registrants may join us for the entire morning, or tune in at the time/session you prefer only
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Housing Supports Initiative Update
We will be issuing a call for proposals for the Housing Supports Initiative Fund in August and look forward to hearing about the innovative plans submitted.
The three priorities for the funding identified through consultation with members and partners will be:
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Case Management for tenants experiencing or at risk of homelessness to be supported in non-profit and public housing
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Maintaining Successful Tenancy (all the different kinds of programs and services required to support people in their journey. This can include items that support eviction prevention such as pest control, mental health/addiction supports, or programs that empower tenants to enhance and build their capabilities)
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Sector Capacity Building (to ensure present and future staff have the ability and opportunity to get the proper training, skills, and experience to provide the best support and service possible)
If you are receiving this newsletter, you are on the contact list to receive the Call for Proposals when it comes out. If would like additional information please contact Cheryl at [email protected]
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The Spirit of Housing Awards celebrate our leaders’ successes and achievements. The awards will be presented at the 9th Annual Building Partnerships Conference November 22-23, 2021, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Nominate someone who deserves recognition for their achievements by September 15 here
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MNPHA and Staples Business Advantage™ have partnered to offer a great Group Purchase Program to our members. Staples Business Advantage™ is Staples’ commercial division (business-to-business), based on the EWAY platform. It offers a complete assortment of products and services, including office supplies, PPE, technology products, facility solutions, furniture, break room supplies and business services.
Some of the benefits include:
- A one-stop shop for the office supplies, PPE, janitorial supplies, furniture, and technology
- Discounted pricing and price matching
- Dedicated account management
- Easy online ordering with customized shopping lists
- Next-day delivery with real-time tracking
- A range of business services, from facility solutions and technology services to print services and workspace design
For more about this partnership program, and how to get on board, head to our website.
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The health and wellness of employees are finally being recognized as essential for business by employers.
MNPHA's partnership with People Corporation to provide group benefits has now been in place for just over two years.
Whether you already have a program and want to compare pricing, or are evaluating implementing a program for the first time, getting a quote is quick and easy.The more members who join, the more administrative costs will be reduced, which in turn, lowers rates for everyone participating. MNPHA believes this service will support our members to provide high-quality, affordable benefits to those working in non-profit housing.
People First Health and Wellness Spotlight: The Next Normal – Coping with Re-Entry Anxiety
As vaccination rates increase, and we continue to progress through various re-opening stages, a return to pre-pandemic activities appears to be in sight. For some individuals, this change is met with great enthusiasm and excitement. For others, a return to pre-pandemic life may be met with feelings of anxiety. Both are completely valid. Continue reading here.
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Study: Improving Housing Stability Among Indigenous Residents at Horizon Housing
Horizon Housing is a non-profit affordable housing provider in Calgary that works in partnership with more than 40 community agencies that refer residents and provide ongoing social supports so residents can maintain stable housing over the long term.
Horizon recently commissioned a report with the view of improving housing outcomes for its Indigenous residents. The study developed recommendations related to:
- Cultural Programming
- Smudge Support
- An Indigenous Liaison Person
- An Enhanced Resident Orientation Process
- Enhanced Staff Training
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
- Eviction Prevention
- Additional Staffing for Horizon’s Resident Services Team
- Leadership
- An Annual Survey
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Developing Community Owned Housing in Small and Rural Communities
This study, conducted by the Small Communities Initiative, explores opportunities for community housing in rural areas. In short, this research focuses on how organizations
in small and rural communities prepare themselves and their projects to be “shovel ready” and manage the associated risks. This includes all of the initial phases of development work, such as organizational readiness, project planning, partnership arrangements, feasibility assessment, and the development of sound funding and financing strategies.
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City of Winnipeg: Community Safety and Crime Prevention Program
The program supports community-level activities that strengthen local crime prevention and community safety efforts, that promote the exchange of information between community residents and that help build closer relationships between communities and the Winnipeg Police Service.
Program applications may be approved to a maximum of $5,000 per application. Funding for approved activities must be expended by October 31, 2022.
Application Submission and Deadline: August 9
City of Winnipeg: Rapid Housing Initiative
The funding will be used to expedite the delivery of affordable housing units to vulnerable people and populations targeted under the National Housing Strategy, especially those affected by COVID-19.
Eligible building types are limited to the following:
- Acquisition of land and construction of modular and traditionally constructed housing;
- Acquisition of land and existing buildings for the purpose of conversion from non-residential to residential use;
- Acquisition of land and rehabilitation of existing vacant/derelict housing.
Expressions of Interest Deadline: August 5
Government of Canada Local Food Infrastructure Fund
The project impact must be targeted and immediate, and must be directly related to addressing food insecurities and increasing the accessibility of healthy, nutritious and ideally local foods within their community(ies).
Eligible projects must be for simple infrastructure requests such as purchasing a walk-in refrigerator for a food bank, or installing a greenhouse in a remote community. Complex projects, including major renovations, and multi-year projects will not be considered under this funding intake, as impacts must be targeted and immediate.
Application deadline August 13, 2021. Applicants may submit a proposal at any time before the deadline for a minimum ask of $15,000 to a maximum ask of $100,000.
Health Canada: Substance Use and Addictions Program
Applications can be submitted for projects that can help to prevent, treat or reduce the harms associated with opioids, stimulants, alcohol, prescription drugs, and other potentially harmful substances.
Priorities include:
- Harm reduction related to substance use and the toxic illegal drug supply
- Prevention, health promotion and early intervention
- Treatment and Recovery
- Strengthening the substance use workforce
Application Deadline: September 24; an information session will be held August 12
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HOUSING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES |
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United Way Winnipeg is offering "Working among Racial Difference on Colonized Land", an interactive, three-session workshop designed for Executive Directors, managers, and program staff of non-profit organizations. Join Jackie Hogue virtually via Zoom on September 21, 23 and 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Registration is now open.
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, A & O: Support Services for Older Adults has Wellness Kits available for vulnerable older adults living in the City of Winnipeg. Requests of up to 20 kits can be made to distribute to vulnerable older adults living in the community areas. Please follow this link to request your wellness kits.
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NOTICE OF POSITION: REGIONAL MANAGER, PRAIRIES
The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada is recruiting to fill a full time, permanent position of Regional Manager, Prairies. The position will be based in Winnipeg (other locations or remote work will be considered), with a target starting date of October 1, 2021.
Reporting to the Director, Member Services, the Regional Manager will deliver a program of direct support and education services to members in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and, working with member federations in Alberta, to strengthen governance, management capacity and operations of the co‑operative housing sector generally. The Regional Manager will liaise with relevant provincial housing officials on issues related to the implementation of provincial housing programs and legislation, and support and liaise with CHF Canada’s government relations team to advance regional member issues. The Regional Manager will work in collaboration with other CHF Canada staff to deliver CHF Canada’s services to member housing co-operatives in the region.
For the full job description head here.
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Rent Relief Fund Intake and Support Worker
Organization: Manitoba Non–Profit Housing Association
Reports to: Transformation Team Lead
This is a term position that will provide intake, assessment, and resource connection support to people accessing the Rent Relief Fund. The Rent Relief Fund Intake and Support Worker will have excellent and assertive written and verbal communications with a wide range of audiences, be resourceful and detail-oriented, and able to work well both independently and within a small team.
HOURS: Flexible, with minimum 25 and up to 40 hours weekly; Weekdays within a planned schedule which could be office hours within an 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. window, based on preferred schedule.
WAGE: $17-$20/hour depending on experience
DETAILS: Mostly remote work, with in-person training and some required days at office based in downtown Winnipeg. Must have own computer, cell phone (phone calls will use a voice-over-IP application and therefore requires internet) and good internet access available for remote work. The position is temporary, from August-end of September, with possibility of an extension.
Applications will be reviewed as received, and the position will start ASAP. To apply, please send resume and cover letter detailing the relevant experience and/or training that will make you a good candidate for the position to Cheryl Krostewitz, Transformation Team Lead at [email protected]
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West Broadway Commons is another example of a partnership between a religious community and non-profit housing to create affordable housing while improving the finances of the organization. You can read more about it here
No idea is too big or too small for picture of the month! You can submit them by e-mail to [email protected] to be included in Sepetember's newsletter |
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Other recent COVID-19 Resources and Updates:
- Guides, videos, and fact sheets on vaccination
- You can read current public health orders here. A number of members have told us they are keeping common rooms closed as they don't have monitoring capacity on site. We have also been asked about how organizations might be applying vaccination requirements and proof as things open up - we will monitor information on this and share it with members as soon as it is available.
- Healthy Hire Manitoba Program will provide a wage subsidy up to $5000 per employee (and up to $50,000 per employer) to hire/rehire a vaccinated employee. Program details will be available here
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