When Joe Hatch was homeless, he used to sleep under the Osborne Street Bridge. He said it was cold and rain would drip on him.
“It was the most lonely, terrible time in my life," said Hatch. "I was convinced I was the worst person in the world."
He became homeless after his landlord sold the building where he lived and he was living with a bi-polar disorder.
But his life turned around thanks to the At Home-Chex Soi project.
The federal government invested 110-million dollars towards the program in 2008. The aim of the project was to help people get into housing first, before dealing with problems of mental illness or addictions. The province of Manitoba also announced $2 million towards the At Home Chez Soi project.
Three hundred homeless people in Winnipeg were provided homes. They were some of the most at risk people living on the street. The study found half remained in housing over several years.
A positive sign that providing housing works, say housing advocates. On Friday , the federal government has announced another 28-million dollars for housing initiatives in Winnipeg.
“Bottom line is, why would we want a family member sleeping on the streets of Winnipeg after the most horrific cold winter, said Jino Distasio from the University of Winnipeg’s Institute for Urban Affairs.
But it doesn't have everyone convinced. Danielle Kaplan experienced homelessness. She’s now working to complete high school.
“I think it takes a lot of trying, and an effort on their part as well,” she said. Still seeing so many homeless people in Winnipeg makes her wish more could be done
"There are so many people to help and we've only got the tip of the iceberg now,” said Hatch.
Hatch said, regardless of a person's motivation, having a roof over your head is something every person deserves
