Siloam Mission launches “Vision 500”
WINNIPEG, MB—Siloam Mission plans to build 500 homes and create 500 employment opportunities in the next five years for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
The Christian humanitarian agency, located in downtown Winnipeg, launched Vision 500 in May. Floyd Perras, executive director of Siloam, believes housing and jobs will stabilize Winnipeg's inner city, and in turn stimulate economic development.
"We have 1,100 people that stay in our shelter every year," Perras says. "When we think of 500 people and 500 jobs, we're perhaps helping half of those folks going forward."
Siloam is looking to Portland, Oregon for inspiration. A foundation there called Central City Concern transformed the city's struggling and decaying neighbourhoods by introducing large-scale supportive housing integrated with direct social services like health care, recovery and employment training.
"Over the last 30 years, they've developed 900 units of dry, supportive housing that has totally revitalized their downtown community," Perras says.
The grand opening of Siloam Mission's The Madison in April marked the first step in Vision 500. The 87-unit complex, located on Evanson Street, provides dry, supportive housing for the homeless.
"It's going great," Perras says. "It's nearly full. The community of residents are doing very well, and the community around it is doing well. It's a breath of life in people that thought all hope was gone."
Siloam Mission has already purchased another property adjacent to its main building on 300 Princess Street to turn into more housing units.
Perras says revitalizing Winnipeg's core through employment-training and affordable housing is not only compassionate, but also good for business and the good of the city. The only way to get there is for the social sector and the business sector to work together.
"We're looking for partnerships to make that happen," he says.
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
