Winnipeg non-profit may have to leave building after being denied funding

WINNIPEG -

A Winnipeg non-profit that provides housing, employment and volunteer opportunities to those experiencing homelessness may lose its building next month after it was denied funding.

On Thursday, Sscope Inc. said the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) denied its last attempt at securing funding from the Rapid Housing Initiative.

The non-profit noted that it was told by the Assiniboine Credit Union it would have to leave its building by Jan. 6 if it doesn’t come up with the money for a down payment.

Sscope said their building currently houses 46 people, as well as an additional 40 in their overnight emergency shelter.

The loss of the building will also affect Sscope’s casual, part-time and full-time staff, with the non-profit saying about 183 people will face the consequences of this loss.

Angela McCaughan, Sscope’s executive director, said in a news release that the powers that be are abandoning the most marginalized people in society.

“There's no reason for us to leave this building. This is their home. They know that they are safe here. We have everything in this building for them,” McCaughan said.

“We're serving the community, people know where to come to get food, they know where to come to get help, they know where to come to get a harvest hamper. We understand the challenges that people living with mental health issues face, and are one of the only organizations that provide wrap-around services to our guests and residents because we believe everyone is meant for significance.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the CMHC said that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live.

The spokesperson noted that they can’t discuss specific projects for confidentiality purposes, but that there is significant interest in their Rapid Housing Initiative. They added that not everyone who submits an application will receive funding for their project.

“We will continue to work to make sure more Canadians have a safe and affordable place to call home and will work closely with unsuccessful applicants and other levels of government, to find positive housing solutions and outcomes through the National Housing Strategy,” the statement said.