Westminster Housing relies upon a variety of government grants or forgivable loans to pay for most of the capital costs of acquiring and upgrading properties. These arrangements change from year to year, but in all cases the funding support involves all three levels of government.

The co-ordination of government programs is through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative, with which Westminster Housing has a working relationship.

Since most of our projects are located in or near West Broadway, we seek and obtain approval from the West Broadway Development Corporation, a community company, which assists in the allocation of funds for housing projects in its sector.

In recent years housing in West Broadway has been significantly improved through the combined efforts of the Lions Club of Winnipeg, The Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation, the University of Winnipeg, as well as Westminster Housing Society. A transformation is taking place. Private owners are improving their properties. Property values are improving.

Westminster Housing also receives funding from the Winnipeg Foundation to assist in providing "amenities" in our units, including new appliances. From time to time Westminster Housing is assisted by other foundations, and in particular, the Thomas Sill Foundation. The Westminster United Church Foundation provides a regular annual grant.

Every year Westminster Housing has a fund raising campaign, soliciting funds from individuals in the Winnipeg community. You are encouraged to make a gift to Westminster Housing Society and forwarding your contribution to 14-165 Maryland Street, R3G 1K9. A charitable receipt will be provided.

A rehab project generally takes 6 months to a year to complete, from acquisition to occupation by tenants. During this period bridge financing is provided by the Cambrian Credit Union, with whom Westminster Housing has a line of credit. Most capital costs are ultimately met by a combination of government grants and forgivable loans, but the shortfall is met by enlarging the line of credit. The indebtedness to Cambrian Credit Union is secured by a mortgage on our properties, but the over-all indebtedness is only a small proportion of the value of the properties. Westminster Housing Society has a healthy balance sheet.