Since being granted registered charitable status in 2007, the Manitoba Real Estate Association Shelter Foundation has made remarkable progress in its short existence. Over $158,000 has been raised since inception, and in October of 2010 the Foundation granted $45,000 to four Manitoba-based shelter-related charities; Esther House Inc., Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council Inc., Habitat for Humanity® Winnipeg and New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families.
Esther House Inc. is a non-profit, community-based facility that provides shelter and support to women in second stage recovery from addiction. It is the only non-co-ed place that exists where women can stay for a period of up to twelve months while making the transition back into society. Esther House is a safe house that provides the infrastructure necessary for women to heal and gain confidence and self-esteem to continue their journey of life in recovery.
Habitat for Humanity® Winnipeg was incorporated in 1987 with its first office in the basement of a church on Church Street. They have built more than 160 homes since that time with the Jimmy Carter build in 1993 producing 19 homes, the largest number in any single year. Habitat for Humanity® Winnipeg’s mission: by mobilizing volunteers and community partners, Habitat for Humanity® Winnipeg works with people from all walks of life to build safe, decent, affordable housing for purchase by low-income working families.
Since 1885, New Directions has been evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the Winnipeg community. Their services fall under three categories: counselling, assessment, support and prevention programs; training and education programs; and residential and support programs. They strive to offer everyone the same opportunities to achieve a life full of promise, potential, respect and self-worth. A wide range of services are provided encompassing many areas that can affect people’s lives. New Directions provides support as people take steps to improve their lives – and through them, the lives of others in the community.