The issue of homelessness in Winnipeg has become a source of frustration for residents, who increasingly feel the city’s response has been inadequate. A recent survey by Probe Research has revealed growing impatience among Winnipeggers, who believe both the city and provincial governments have failed to address homelessness effectively.
As the crisis deepens, the conversation has shifted from temporary solutions to more aggressive, long-term approaches aimed at tackling the root causes of homelessness.
Dissatisfaction with Government Efforts
The Probe Research survey reveals growing frustration with government efforts to address homelessness. Over 50% of respondents believe the City of Winnipeg is failing, while 46% share similar dissatisfaction with the provincial government. As homelessness rises and solutions remain elusive, this discontent has intensified.
As people increasingly feel that traditional institutions are falling short, many seek alternative resources and support systems. This mirrors the trend in the financial world, where individuals turn to credible lending platforms like CreditNinja.com for more efficient and accessible loan services when conventional options fail to meet their needs.
Just as these platforms have redefined how people manage personal finances, there is a growing demand for more innovative and immediate solutions to complex social problems like homelessness.
Even local outreach organizations face criticism, with nearly half of those surveyed feeling that these social services are not doing enough. The need for new, effective strategies is clearer than ever as public trust in existing systems continues to erode.
The Impatience for Change
A growing frustration is driving calls for more decisive action, with 76% of survey respondents agreeing that more aggressive efforts are needed to find housing for the homeless. Additionally, 74% feel current efforts are ineffective, citing concerns that the root causes of homelessness—addiction, mental health, and poverty—aren’t being addressed fast enough. While Winnipeggers recognize systemic issues take time to resolve, their patience is running out.
Marion Willis, executive director of St. Boniface Street Links, echoes this sentiment. “Yes, we don’t have enough housing,” Willis states, “but what people have to understand is, if people lost their housing because of addiction, if we don’t deal with their addiction then we aren’t dealing with homelessness.”
Encampments and Affordable Housing
Encampments in Winnipeg are a stark reminder of the homelessness crisis, and public opinion is divided on how to address them. While 68% of respondents agree encampments shouldn’t be dismantled until more affordable housing is available, nearly half believe homeless individuals shouldn’t have the right to remain in them indefinitely, reflecting a balance between empathy and public safety.
Though seen as temporary solutions, encampments raise deeper concerns about dignity and long-term outcomes. Marion Willis emphasizes that while these camps offer short-term relief, permanent housing, combined with services like addiction treatment and mental health care, is the sustainable path forward.
Learning from Houston
Winnipeg’s Mayor Scott Gillingham, and Manitoba’s Minister of Housing, Bernadette Smith, have recently looked to other cities for inspiration on tackling homelessness. The “Houston model” has gained attention as a potential framework for Winnipeg. Houston has successfully reduced its homeless population by over 60% through coordinated efforts, integrating housing with comprehensive support services.
Mayor Gillingham acknowledges that while Winnipeg has implemented several new initiatives, such as increased shelter spaces and community safety programs, progress has been slow. “It takes a while to address these issues but it is not moving fast enough for me, it is not moving fast enough for the council and it is not moving fast enough for people who are homeless,” Gillingham said. He believes that the lessons learned from Houston’s success offer a roadmap for Winnipeg, one that requires a collective effort from all levels of government, community organizations, and the private sector.
Moving Forward with Collaboration and Investment
Addressing homelessness is a complex issue that demands collaboration across sectors. As Tessa Whitecloud, CEO of Siloam Mission, notes, social services and government agencies must work together to create a coordinated plan. Whitecloud stresses the need for private-sector involvement, calling for those with resources—whether financial or in the form of housing units—to contribute.
For its part, the provincial government has committed $116 million to building 350 new social housing units and repairing 3,000 existing ones. Minister Smith points to the previous government’s failures, citing years of neglect in social housing development. However, she remains optimistic about the current administration’s efforts to reverse this trend and end chronic homelessness within eight years.
The need for “wraparound support” is a crucial theme in the ongoing dialogue. Both Gillingham and Smith emphasize that providing housing alone is not enough. To create lasting change, housing must be paired with services that address the root causes of homelessness. Mental health support, addiction treatment, and job training are essential components of a comprehensive strategy that can truly reduce homelessness in the long term.
Final Thoughts
The survey’s findings are a reminder that Winnipeggers are not just impatient for results—they are calling for a compassionate, long-term solution that addresses the underlying causes of homelessness. As Winnipeg looks to models like Houston for inspiration, the need for a united effort becomes evident. With the right investments, coordinated planning, and ongoing collaboration, ending homelessness in Winnipeg is not just a distant goal but an achievable one.
