Downtown Winnipeg encampment residents moved to housing

About a dozen people living in five encampments in downtown Winnipeg have been moved into housing units. This is part of a new plan by the Manitoba government to address chronic homelessness in the province. Premier Wab Kinew announced the initiative late last year, which aims to gradually transition people from tent encampments to more stable housing. Bernadette Smith, Manitoba's housing minister, stated that outreach workers have been visiting the encampments for the past six weeks to build relationships with residents. So far, the province has successfully housed individuals from these encampments as they find openings in government-funded apartments. Smith expressed surprise at the speed of these transitions and highlighted the support services available to help people adjust to their new living situations. The plan focuses on providing comprehensive support to residents, helping them stabilize their lives and eventually find work. Many individuals in the encampments have been without stable housing for a long time, but they have responded positively to the offer of help. One challenge for the government is securing appropriate housing that meets the specific needs of those being relocated. As additional units become available, the province plans to continue moving people out of the encampments, expecting to house another 40 individuals in the coming weeks.