These Winnipeg properties could be converted into supportive housing

A design rendering for a proposed supportive housing facility on Stella Avenue. (City of Winnipeg)

The city is calling on Winnipeggers to weigh in on plans to convert five properties into supportive housing.

The properties, which are all city-owned sites, are on Sherburn Street, Plessis Road, Stella Avenue, Poseidon Bay, and north McPhillips Street.

If converted, the sites would offer safe, stables homes with wrap-around health, wellness and safety services, the city said.

“Supportive housing is a proven, effective tool in reducing homelessness, with long-term benefits for residents and neighbourhoods,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said in a news release.

The supportive housing project is the first phase of the city’s plan to provide city land for supportive housing in a push to combat homelessness.

The city is responsible for deciding on the land, rezoning it, and then handing it over to non-profit organizations, which will be tasked with developing and operating the sites.

The homes will be used by people at “key life stages,” the city added, including refugees and refugee claimants, people leaving hospitals, youth exiting care, people transitioning from encampments, those at risk of gender-based violence and people with mental health needs.

Winnipeggers are invited to learn more about the sites and upcoming rezoning at three open houses from Sept. 2 to 4.

A public hearing is also scheduled for Sept. 12.

Details can be found on the city’s website.