Continually guided by one of its founding principles, the Winkler Affordable Housing Committee has undertaken a sizeable effort to renovate and update the 66 social housing units it acquired from Manitoba Housing about two years ago.

"We say it is a community's responsibility to provide its members with safe, affordable housing," explained board chair, James Friesen, noting the committee embarked on the massive task about a year-and-a-half ago and is about halfway through the effort. Proof of the progress can be seen as you approach the intersection of Highway 32 and Pembina Avenue with the updated exterior of the Southview Apartments building, the first on the committee's renovation to-do list. As well, 11 units inside the complex have also been fully renovated.

"It's very visible when you come in to the community. I think folks who've been living here for a while recognized that it's slowly been aging," added Friesen.

It is through this renovation effort that Friesen says the Committee hopes to shift some of the stigma that can be associated with social housing.

"It's not an 'us' and 'them' situation," he said, noting we all have to be concerned about affordability, which is different for every person. "To say you're in one category or the other, if we can break down that kind of thinking I think we're better off as individuals and as a community. It starts with having something of value, something that's been restored and is a good place to live. If that stability is there, there's pride-of-place and then we can get on with our lives in terms of building relationships, getting jobs, all of that other stuff."

Providing community supports and tenant relations for Winkler Affordable Housing is Central Station Community Centre, which also oversees the property management duties. Housing Coordinator, Lori Penner, says that includes ensuring housing with dignity and supporting tenants in successful tenancies.

"It doesn't change whether people have social issues, but it changes how they see themselves," she explained. "Just because you may not be able to pay market rent, doesn't mean that you shouldn't have housing that you can be proud of."

She noted, the renovation initiative is quite significant, and is a win-win for both the landlord and the surrounding neighbourhood.

"We have two buildings that have (outdoor) common spaces, and our purpose is that we want to encourage the neighbourhood association, you know, inviting the neighbours for barbeques. We've (provided) propane and barbeques, (and) the community can use that space."

Penner added, it's been about nine months since tenants moved in to the first completed renovation, and she says the requirement for additional supports has been greatly reduced since then.

Throughout this effort, there have been many examples of contributions from local organizations and individuals to help get the job done. That includes Mend the Gap, a grassroots fund started by James and Jayci Elias that supports initiatives, programs and services that alleviate poverty. Not only has the effort raised money for the renovations, but it has also collaborated with area contractors to do the work.

"They will go and donate part, or all, of their bill - depending on what it looks like - and we've used the same contractors year in and year out, and it's worked well," explained Elias.

One of those longtime contractors is Elmer Klippenstein who has replaced many floors and doors, and repainted his share of walls over the years.

"When I heard about this, to me it was just exciting to be able to do something in our community," said Klippenstein. "I enjoy transformation. When I see something that still has good bones, to make it look like something again, I enjoy that and I thought, what better place than to do it right here in my backyard."

"A big part of what we want to do is create housing where it's not just a house, it's a home. We're trying to give people dignity and value," added Elias, echoing the sentiment expressed earlier by Friesen. He explained, part of the challenge in fostering those feelings within tenants prior to Winkler Affordable Housing taking over, was touch-ups and repairs were made using discounted materials.

"They'd go buy discounted paint that came in six different colours, and six different types of flooring installed in six different bedrooms. It makes you feel like you're not really that valuable," he said. "We try to put good-quality stuff in, but even the design and the decor, it all matches and flows with the furniture."

The total estimate to bring all 66 units up to snuff, according to Friesen, is about $2.8 million dollars. That's an average of $20,000 to $50,000 per unit. Winkler Affordable Housing Inc. is currently working on obtaining charitable status, which would allow it to accept monetary donations. In the meantime, Friesen noted any financial support for the organization can be turned in to Central Station.