Neeginan Village Phase II, a new 15-unit housing complex for low-income families with a member upgrading their education at the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, was officially opened today by Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross.

“The construction of Neeginan Village Phase II helps Aboriginal families access better housing so they can put down roots and build a better life for their families,” said Irvin-Ross.  “By working closely with Aboriginal leadership and organizations to create this type of housing project, we create a stronger, more prosperous Manitoba.”

The apartments, located at 145 and 147 Higgins Ave., were supported by more than $3 million from the province’s HOMEWorks! Een Dah Aung Rental and Cooperative Housing Program.  The project was developed by the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD).

As part of Phase II, the City of Winnipeg, through the Downtown Residential Development Grant Program, is contributing $141,747.  For Phase I, the City provided $153,000 from the Downtown Multiple Family/Mixed Use Building grant program, which is being distributed over a 10-year period.

“Having a safe place to call home is a critical part of daily life, and we are pleased to contribute to a project that will provide opportunities to Aboriginal families along with the support they need to help them succeed and thrive in the community,” said Mayor Sam Katz

“Neeginan Village was developed so that our students could have safe and affordable housing close to CAHRD’s two campuses,” said Marileen Bartlett, executive director, CAHRD.  “Having the students live close by removes another barrier as they continue with their education and training so they can ultimately become successfully employed.  Our housing project is another support that CAHRD provides along with on-site daycare, tutoring, upgrading and literacy, and employment services.  We thank the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg for their continued support.”

Neeginan Village Phase II is a townhouse-style complex consisting of two buildings located in the South Point Douglas neighbourhood.  All units are three-bedroom.  One building includes 10 units while the other has five.  The buildings face each other and have a common green/play space between them.  Thirteen of the 15 units will be visitable and two of the units will be fully accessible.

Through Manitoba’s long-term housing strategy, HOMEWorks!, the  provincial government with financial support of almost $100 million from the Government of Canada, is contributing $378 million over two years for housing initiatives in Winnipeg and across the province.  More information about HOMEWorks! is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.