June 05, 2006

A successful pilot project that established a new type of family resource centre for tenants at two Manitoba Housing Authority sites is being expanded to a new site in Transcona, Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick announced today.

"I am pleased to expand this unique initiative that helps improve tenant-support services for people who make their homes at these sites," said Melnick, who is also minister responsible for the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation. "This is another way we can partner with community groups, such as the Family Centre, to enhance the quality of life of Manitobans and help tenants become more connected to their neighbourhoods and communities."

The new family resource centre site, at 1190 Plessis Rd., is being supported with $60,000 in funding from Manitoba Family Services and Housing. There are about 100 families at the Manitoba Housing Authority (MHA) site.

The Family Centre of Winnipeg partnered in the initial launch of the resource centre concept as a demonstration project and currently operates programs at two Manitoba Housing Authority sites. One is located at 565 St. Anne’s Rd. and serves about 40 families and the other is at 621 St. Anne’s Rd., where about 98 households access programs. In addition to funding support, the Manitoba Housing Authority provides space at each site for the resource centres. The pilot project funding is now permanent.

These family resource centres operate like drop-in centres and provide programming such as public-access computers, employment-skills training and preparation for job interviews, conflict resolution and crisis counselling, parenting for teens, a toddler’s group, community kitchens, a crafters co-operative and community dinners. The family resource centres can also offer some opportunities for work experience.

"We believe the people who participate in the family resource centers are perfect examples of the benefits of linking families and communities," said Marcel Baril, executive director of the Family Centre. "These families prove that being part of a caring and supportive community brings out the best in all of us and helps us to not only see things as they are, but as they can be."

At all Manitoba Housing Authority sites, existing tenant services staff continue their long-standing role in assisting residents to access assistance, information and health or social services.

The family resource centres build upon the work of existing tenant associations and advisory committees in place at 20 other Manitoba Housing Authority sites. Tenant associations provide residents of MHA facilities opportunities to address issues including community concerns and to participate in seminars on community safety and build a stronger voice in their neighbourhood. Tenant associations, resource centres and advisory boards formally registered with the Manitoba Housing Authority are eligible to receive annual funding to support their activities.

The Manitoba Housing Authority is the property management branch of Manitoba Family Services and Housing and operates and manages the provincially-owned public housing portfolio. The MHA provides a variety of quality housing options that are affordable and subsidized for families, seniors and single people with low or moderate incomes. The MHA administers and manages approximately 13,000 apartment units, townhouses, duplexes and houses throughout the province.

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