New apartments supporting people with mental health challenges get government funding

Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced $11.9 million in joint federal-provincial funding to create more affordable housing for people with mental health issues. (file image)

The provincial and federal governments are jointly funding a new 45-unit affordable apartment building for families and adults with mental health challenges in East Kildonan.

Manitoba’s Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross and Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood-Transcona, announced Friday their two governments will provide $11.9 million towards the new building as part of the $62 million Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement.

Construction is expected to begin this summer at the corner of Molson Street and Kimberly Avenue.

The building will include 19 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units, and 12 three-bedroom units.

The project will be operated by Eden Health Care Services, Inc. - a private non-profit corporation governed by the Mennonite Churches of Manitoba - that provides mental health and housing programs in five rural communities and Winnipeg.