Statement on Manitoba Budget 2025

March 21, 2025

Manitoba Budget 2025: A Step Forward in Addressing Homelessness

End Homelessness Winnipeg acknowledges the Manitoba government's 2025 Budget as a significant and encouraging step forward in addressing the urgent housing and homelessness crisis across the province.

With an 18.9% increase in investments for housing and homelessness initiatives reflected in the $73.4 million allocation toward Manitoba's plan to end chronic homelessness, we are optimistic that the government is moving in the right direction. This year's budget affirms a clear commitment to both expanding housing supply and enhancing supports for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

We are particularly encouraged by the following commitments:

• A pledge to deliver 670 new social housing units, including $16 million to transform a downtown Winnipeg building into transitional housing for 118 people, and $5.6 million to renovate 270 Manitoba Housing units-creating more accessible, safe spaces for people moving from encampments and strengthening Manitoba's affordable housing stock.
• $14.2 million in enhanced support for renters, individuals on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA), and those on fixed incomes, helping people maintain stable housing.
• $8.9 million in funding for wraparound supports and training for direct service providers-an essential part of long-term housing stability.
• Sustained investment in the Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit (CMHB), with $4 million allocated to assist individuals transitioning to private rental housing.
• $25 million for a new Navigation Centre, where outreach staff can connect people living in encampments with housing and critical supports.
• A continued commitment to the Housing First model, which is proven to help individuals achieve lasting housing stability with the right supports.

While these investments are promising, the need in our communities remains high. The reality on the ground calls for urgency in deploying these resources where they are needed most.

We urge the Province to:

1. Ensure that investments reach communities quickly and are accompanied by continued expansion of deeply affordable housing supply.
2. Work closely with the federal government to re-open and expand access to the Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit, which remains a critical tool for homelessness prevention and housing stability.
3. Maintain strong partnerships with direct service providers, Indigenous organizations, and people with lived experience to co-create solutions rooted in dignity, reconciliation, and long-term impact.

"This year's budget reflects progress and a clear intention to tackle the homelessness crisis with targeted investments and new infrastructure. We welcome these commitments and the renewed focus on prevention, housing-first approaches, and wraparound supports. Although much more is still required to meet the current housing deficit, this is a step in the right direction. Now, the priority must be implementation-with urgency, equity, and collaboration-so that no one in Manitoba is left without a safe place to call home," said Jason Whitford, CEO End Homelessness Winnipeg.

End Homelessness Winnipeg remains committed to working alongside all levels of government, Indigenous partners, and community stakeholders to address gaps and achieve our shared goal of ending chronic homelessness in the city of Winnipeg.

You can access the complete budget here: Province of Manitoba | Budget 2025

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For more information, please contact:

Oraye St. Franklyn,
Manager, Communications and Community Relations,
End Homelessness Winnipeg
Cell: 431-323-8896
Email: ofranklyn@endhomelessnesswinnipeg.

 

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