Eligibility

At Home First Winnipeg we believe in a housing first approach…that is, regardless of the challenges that people may face with addiction, mental health or other issues, each of us deserves a safe home.  We do not require sobriety.

Eligible applicants include persons who have experienced extended periods of homelessness in recent years and are currently without permanent housing.  It includes those living on the street, in encampments, couch surfing, emergency shelters and transitional housing. 

At the discretion of Home First Winnipeg, we may from time to time consider other applicants depending on individual circumstances.  For example, a person with a disability with an extended history of homelessness but currently housed in a non-accessible low barrier hotel or rooming house may be considered for tenancy in one of our fully accessible suites.

As the support services we offer are limited in scope (e.g. meals, staffed front desk, wellness checks, periodic social/cultural/educational/health programs), preference is given to applicants that have ongoing and consistent social service supports from their referring or other agency, including a minimum of one on-site visit per week to ensure that the tenancy is successful.

Preference is also given to those applicants receiving Manitoba Employment and Income Assistance (EIA).

To ensure safety of other tenants and staff, applicants with a history of violent behaviour or arson are generally not accepted.