A non-profit organization in central Winnipeg is asking for funding from all three levels of government.
Sscope, which stands for Self-starting Creative Opportunities for People in Employment, faces a funding shortfall that could force nearly 90 people to take to the streets in the New Year.
The former Neechi Commons building on Main Street, between Jarvis and Euclid avenues, provides permanent housing for 46 people and overnight shelter for 40 more in the front lobby of the building.
“This building is the people’s house,” Angela McCaughan, executive director of Sscope, said Wednesday evening.
The non-profit social enterprise has been in existence for 30 years and provides employment for people living with mental health issues. It became a refuge during the pandemic and, after moving into its current home in August 2020, has become accommodation for people living with mental health issues.
She estimates that over 85% of the people Sscope serves are either Aboriginal, Métis or Inuit.
“We have found that homeless people make it very difficult to have a job when you are homeless,” McCaughan said.
It is also difficult when you are short of money.
McCaughan told CBC News the monthly rent is $ 16,000, plus utilities.
Sscope applied for funding through the municipal component of the Quick Housing Initiative last year, but it was turned down.
On Tuesday, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation informed the organization that its request for funding under the initiative’s project component had also been denied.
“There is no reason to deny our funding. We are pioneers. No one is doing what we do and we are successful in doing it,” said McCaughan.
Without money from the city, the province and Ottawa by January 6, Sscope will have to find a new location to operate its social business, which means the jobs of around 183 people could be affected.
“I need $ 500,000 from each level of government for a down payment. And then you know what else I need? Nothing. I don’t need anything because we are self-sufficient and self-sufficient because of income from our business flows, ”said McCaughan.
Residents pay $ 589 per month, which includes room and board, food and toiletries to live in long-term supportive housing on the second floor of the building. They earn that money by working in the business, which includes a bicycle shop, bakery, and thrift store on the ground floor.
People want hope and McCaughan says Sscope gives people hope.
“What we’re looking for is a down payment for the building, so that we can house and employ people for the long term…” she said. “The shelter is not functioning. The shelter is temporary. You cannot provide shelter to people from November to March and then send them back to the streets.”
She added that “we will never end homelessness until we create different types of permanent housing.”
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