Breaking Down Homeless in Winnipeg Through Current Trends and Projected Outcomes
Key Insights
- According to the 2022 Winnipeg Street Census, more than 1,250 individuals were identified as homeless, including those in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and unsheltered locations.
- Data from End Homelessness Winnipeg shows that the largest causes of homelessness include lack of income for housing (29.2%), family conflict (25.5%), and substance use issues (18.3%).
- The Everyone Counts 2020–2022 study reported that in Manitoba, Winnipeg experiences the highest number of homeless individuals at 1,256. Thompson and Brandon recorded 138 and 150 homeless individuals respectively.
- Analysis of Winnipeg neighborhoods shows areas like Heubach Park have living costs 20% above the city average, while more affordable neighborhoods like Dufferin Industrial are 9% below the average.
- Indigenous people are disproportionately represented, making up 75% of Winnipeg’s homeless population, according to the 2022 Street Census.
Homelessness remains a pressing issue in Winnipeg, with the 2022 Winnipeg Street Census revealing that over 1,250 people were identified as experiencing homelessness.
These individuals include those in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and unsheltered locations.
However, the actual number of people experiencing homelessness could be higher due to the prevalence of hidden homelessness – those temporarily staying with others without stable housing.

The census also provides a detailed breakdown of where individuals experiencing homelessness are staying.

Among the 1,256 individuals surveyed, 123 were unsheltered, living on the streets or in places not meant for human habitation. A larger portion, 422, stayed in emergency shelters, including family, youth, and domestic violence shelters.
Additionally, 405 individuals were provisionally accommodated in transitional housing, staying with others temporarily, or in hotels or institutional care.
However, data for 306 individuals remains unknown, highlighting gaps in tracking and understanding the full scope of homelessness in Winnipeg.
Causes of Homelessness in Winnipeg
End Homelessness Winnipeg reports on the causes of homelessness in the area.

This data shows that nearly 30% of respondents cited insufficient income as the primary cause of their housing loss.
Family breakdowns, including conflicts with partners or relatives, accounted for 25.5%, while substance use issues were listed by 18.3% of respondents.
Other contributing factors include unsafe housing conditions (7.7%), mental and physical health challenges (6.3% and 3.3%, respectively), and incarceration (6.0%).
Comparison of Homeless Across Regions in Manitoba
Homelessness in Canada exhibits significant regional variations, reflecting diverse socio-economic conditions and systemic challenges across the country.
The Everyone Counts 2020-2022 study shows that across 72 communities in Canada, 40,000 individuals reported experiencing homelessness during this period.
In Manitoba, The Homeless Hub also reports on the number of people experiencing homelessness in the regions of Brandon, Thompson, and Winnipeg.

Winnipeg, as the province’s largest urban center, reported the highest homeless population, with 1,256 individuals surveyed. 52.6% of this population reported being in emergency or transitional shelters.
Thompson, located in northern Manitoba, recorded 138 homeless individuals, with most in transitional facilities (64%).
Brandon, Manitoba’s second-largest city, shows an estimated 150 individuals experience homelessness.
Cost of Living Across Neighborhoods in Winnipeg
Housing availability and affordability in Winnipeg have become pressing concerns, with recent data highlighting significant challenges for residents.
AreaVibes reports on the high cost of living in Winnipeg across its neighborhoods.

Affluent areas such as Heubach Park and Old Tuxedo have cost of living indices approximately 20% higher than the city average of 78, attributed to higher housing prices and premium amenities.
In contrast, neighborhoods like Dufferin Industrial and Portage-Ellice are more affordable, with indices about 9% lower than the Winnipeg average, making them attractive options for individuals seeking cost-effective living arrangements.
The variation in living costs across Winnipeg’s neighborhoods directly influences the city’s homelessness crisis. In areas with higher cost-of-living indices, the scarcity of affordable housing remains a challenge for low-income individuals and families.
Demographic Breakdown of Homelessness in Winnipeg
Understanding the demographics of homelessness in Winnipeg provides insight into the populations most affected and the systemic challenges they face.
The 2022 Winnipeg Street Census highlights key demographic groups, revealing disparities and unique challenges among age, gender, and cultural identities. These insights are discussed in this section.
Age Distribution of Homelessness in Winnipeg

Homelessness in Winnipeg predominantly affects individuals aged 30 to 49, who make up 45.5% of the surveyed population. This demographic often faces employment instability and challenges accessing long-term housing.
Notably, youth (16–24) account for over 15%, with many first experiencing homelessness after leaving Child and Family Services (CFS), reflecting systemic gaps in transitional support.
Seniors (50+) represent 13.2%, a growing concern as the aging population increases.
Gender Disparities in Winnipeg’s Homeless Population

Men comprise the majority (62.6%) of Winnipeg’s homeless population, often facing barriers to shelter access and targeted support services.
Women (35.4%) are more likely to experience hidden homelessness, often due to family-related challenges or domestic violence.
Non-binary individuals account for 2%, with unique vulnerabilities linked to societal discrimination and limited inclusive resources.
Indigenous Overrepresentation Among Winnipeg’s Homeless

Indigenous peoples make up a staggering 75% of Winnipeg’s homeless population, despite representing a much smaller proportion of the general population.
First Nations individuals account for the majority of this population at 51.10%, while the Métis population follows closely.
LGBTQ2S+ Representation Among Winnipeg’s Homeless

LGBTQ2S+ individuals account for 10.8% of Winnipeg’s homeless population, reflecting barriers such as family rejection and discrimination.
Youth within this demographic are particularly vulnerable, often facing limited access to supportive housing and services tailored to their needs.
Economic Consequences of Homeless in Winnipeg

The Homeless Hub reports that homelessness incurs significant economic costs for Winnipeg, with estimates ranging from $32,000 to $41,000 per individual annually.
These costs are primarily driven by reliance on emergency services, including shelters, healthcare, and justice system interactions, which are not designed to provide long-term solutions but act as temporary relief.
Emergency shelters provide critical immediate support but cost between $15,000 and $20,000 per individual each year. This figure includes staffing, operational expenses, and the need to accommodate growing demands due to rising homelessness.
Healthcare services represent another significant expense, as many homeless individuals experience chronic physical and mental health issues.
These hospitalizations, often for preventable conditions such as hypothermia, infections, or unmanaged chronic illnesses, add $10,000 to $12,000 annually per individual to the healthcare system’s burden.
The justice system also bears a financial strain, with interactions such as arrests for minor offenses, court appearances, and temporary incarcerations costing an additional $7,000 to $9,000 per individual each year.
Interventions and Solutions
The Reaching Home: Winnipeg Homelessness Plan 2019–2024 outlines a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness through targeted investments and coordinated efforts.
This plan allocates funding across six critical activity areas, targeting both immediate relief and long-term solutions.

A significant portion of the funding, 21%, is dedicated to Housing Services, which focuses on providing immediate housing solutions. This includes rapid rehousing initiatives and long-term support to help individuals maintain housing stability.
Another key component is Prevention and Shelter Diversion, which receives 19% of the funding. This area emphasizes interventions designed to prevent individuals and families from entering homelessness.
Support Services account for 18% of the budget. These services provide case management, mental health care, employment support, and life skills training, empowering individuals to achieve long-term stability.
To increase the availability of affordable housing, 15% of the funding is allocated to Capital Investments. This involves developing new housing units, renovating existing facilities, and expanding infrastructure to meet the growing demand.
12% of the funding supports the Coordination of Resources and Data Collection. By enhancing coordination among providers and improving data systems, the plan aims to identify service gaps, measure progress, and adapt strategies based on evidence.
Finally, 15% of the funding is allocated to the Administration, which covers the operational costs of implementing the plan. This includes managing resources, maintaining accountability, and ensuring the execution of programs and services.
Future Trends for the Homeless in Winnipeg
Winnipeg’s homelessness challenges are projected to persist unless significant strides are made in meeting housing targets and providing comprehensive support services.
End Homeless Winnipeg reports that since April 1, 2022, 1,346 people have been housed through Housing First and Non-housing First programs funded by Reaching Home projects.
However, in December 2024, 742 people continued to experience chronic homelessness while 1,232 individuals used Winnipeg’s three adult emergency shelters.
While progress has been made in housing initiatives, these numbers highlight the continued demand for emergency and supportive housing solutions.

References
- End Homelessness Winnipeg. (n.d.). Winnipeg Street Census. Retrieved from https://endhomelessnesswinnipeg.ca/street-census/
- Infrastructure Canada. (2022). Everyone Counts: Point-in-Time Count Results (2020–2022). Retrieved from https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/homelessness-sans-abri/reports-rapports/pit-counts-dp-2020-2022-results-resultats-eng.html
- Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. (n.d.). Community Profile: Brandon. Retrieved from https://homelesshub.ca/community_profile/brandon/
- Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. (n.d.). Community Profile: Thompson. Retrieved from https://homelesshub.ca/community_profile/thompson/
- Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. (n.d.). Community Profile: Winnipeg. Retrieved from https://homelesshub.ca/community_profile/winnipeg/
- AreaVibes. (n.d.). Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Winnipeg, MB. Retrieved from https://www.areavibes.com/winnipeg-mb/most-expensive-neighborhoods/
- Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. (2019). Reaching Home: Winnipeg Homelessness Plan 2019–2024. Retrieved from https://homelesshub.ca/resource/reaching-home-winnipeg-homelessness-plan-2019-2024/