In the context of a severe housing shortage facing low-income renters in Winnipeg and across Canada, WestEnd Commons is an innovative project that includes a 26-unit social and affordable housing complex in a low-income neighbourhood in Winnipeg’s inner city. This three-year case study explores how WestEnd Commons has influenced the lives of the residents, and what lessons can be learned from this particular model. It is clear that WestEnd Commons has had positive impacts on the families residing there. A key feature of WestEnd Commons is the range of social supports provided to residents. While there are challenges that this paper identifies, WestEnd Commons has nevertheless produced significant benefits for its residents. These include: housing stability, stronger social networks, reduced isolation, improved mental health, increased food security, labour market attachments, and increased financial stability. Each of these is significant, and in tandem they bolster families living on low incomes to better cope with the complex poverty they experience. The findings that arise from this three-year study make clear the importance of good quality social and affordable housing for people living on low incomes, and the necessary range of supports that enable them to thrive.
