Between 25% and 50% of youth aging out of foster care experience precarious housing or homelessness within their first year on their own. In Manitoba, where almost 90% of children in the child and family services system are Indigenous, that statistic hits close to home. But across Winnipeg and beyond, Indigenous-led organizations are building transitional housing models that are changing the story — proving that when young people have culturally grounded support and a real pathway to independence, they can thrive.
This guide walks through the transitional housing programs serving Indigenous youth in Manitoba right now, what makes them effective, and how to access them. Whether you’re a young person looking for housing, a CFS worker exploring referral options, or a community member who wants to understand the landscape, this is your starting point.
What Is Transitional Housing for Youth?
Transitional housing for youth is time-limited, supported housing that bridges the gap between care and full independence. Unlike emergency shelters, these programs provide stable, longer-term living arrangements — typically six months to three years — paired with wraparound supports like life skills training, employment readiness, cultural programming, and mentorship. The goal isn’t just a roof overhead. It’s building the skills, connections, and confidence young people need to maintain housing stability for life.
Indigenous-Led Housing Programs in Winnipeg: What’s Available in 2026
Several Indigenous-led organizations in Winnipeg are operating transitional housing programs specifically designed for youth aging out of care. Each takes a different approach, but they share a common foundation: cultural grounding, community connection, and respect for the young people they serve. Here is a side-by-side look at three programs making a measurable difference on Treaty 1 Territory.
| Program | Operated By | Capacity | Ages Served | Housing Model | Key Supports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazoun | Manitoba Métis Federation | 14 units (10 transitional, 2 family reunification, 2 emergency) | Youth aging out of care | Transitional suites on Edison Avenue | Elder mentorship, cultural immersion, Métis-specific programming |
| Nenookaasiins | Shawenim Abinoojii Inc. | 18 apartments (up to 24 youth) | Youth aging out of care | Apartment-style on Alfred Avenue (North End) | Cultural hub, employment programs, one-on-one supports |
| New Steps ILP | New Steps Independent Living Program | 3-tier phased housing | Ages 16–21 | Assessment → Transitional → Independent (lease transfer) | Learning Centre, GED prep, grocery allowance, Elder guidance, ceremony |
Each of these programs was built by Indigenous organizations who understand the specific challenges young people face when leaving care — and who centre Indigenous identity as a source of strength, not a risk factor.
Mazoun: Canada’s First Métis-Specific Transitional Housing
Mazoun is the first Métis-specific transitional housing program in Canada, funded through $5.8 million from the federal Rapid Housing Initiative. Located on Edison Avenue in Winnipeg, the program offers 14 units including 10 transitional suites, two family reunification suites, and two emergency suites. What sets Mazoun apart is its deep integration of Métis culture — Elder mentorship and cultural immersion are built into the program, not added as an afterthought. For Métis youth who may have been disconnected from their heritage while in care, that cultural reconnection is a powerful foundation for stability.
Nenookaasiins: A Community Transformed
Nenookaasiins — meaning “little hummingbird” in Anishinaabe — is a powerful example of community-led transformation. Shawenim Abinoojii Inc. took a fire-damaged, derelict building on Alfred Avenue in Winnipeg’s North End and, with $3 million from the Rapid Housing Initiative, turned it into 18 apartments housing up to 24 young people. The building now includes a cultural hub alongside employment programs and individualized one-on-one supports. The physical transformation of the building mirrors what the program offers its residents: the chance to rebuild, reclaim, and grow into something strong.
New Steps ILP: A Phased Path to Independence
New Steps takes a phased approach that meets youth exactly where they are. Our three-tier model — Assessment, Transitional, and Independent — allows young people ages 16 to 21 to build skills progressively. In the early phases, youth receive structured support including a $125 weekly grocery allowance and $50 weekly incentive. As they develop independence, they move toward a $500 monthly living allowance and eventually full independent living with the lease transferring to their name upon graduation.
What makes this work is the combination of practical support and Learning Centre programming — GED preparation, financial literacy, life skills, and cultural programming including sharing circles, Elder guidance, and land-based activities. Independence isn’t something we expect youth to figure out alone. It’s something we walk toward together.
Why Cultural Grounding Makes the Difference
Research consistently shows that culturally grounded programming improves outcomes for Indigenous youth in transition. Programs like Mazoun, Nenookaasiins, and New Steps don’t treat culture as optional enrichment — they recognize it as essential to wellness and stability. Elder mentorship, ceremony, language, and connection to land are healing practices that help young people understand who they are and where they belong. When a young person knows their identity and has a community around them, they’re better equipped to navigate every other challenge — from finding housing to maintaining a tenancy.
Manitoba’s 2025–28 Housing Action Plan acknowledges this, committing to reconciliation-focused Indigenous housing delivery and culturally relevant programming. In March 2026, the provincial government also announced over $10 million for Indigenous agencies to support customary and kinship care with new agreement types designed to keep more children connected to their families and communities.
The Bigger Picture: A Growing Movement
Winnipeg isn’t alone in this work. In January 2026, the Thunder Bay Indigenous Youth Transition House opened with 58 units offering 24/7 support, case management, and culturally grounded programming for young people ages 18 to 29. Across the country, Indigenous organizations are leading the way in rethinking what housing support looks like when it’s designed by and for the communities it serves.
People with past youth-in-care experience are 34% more likely to first experience homelessness as young adults, according to the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. That reality demands more than emergency responses — it demands the kind of long-term, relationship-based, culturally rooted support that these programs provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for transitional housing as a youth aging out of care in Winnipeg?
Each program has its own intake process. For New Steps ILP, you can start by visiting our Get Help page or asking your CFS worker to make a referral. For Mazoun, contact the Manitoba Métis Federation directly. For Nenookaasiins, reach out to Shawenim Abinoojii Inc. Your CFS worker or social worker can also help connect you with the right program based on your needs.
What is the difference between emergency shelter and transitional housing for youth?
Emergency shelters provide immediate, short-term housing during a crisis — usually days to weeks. Transitional housing is longer-term (typically six months to three years) and includes structured support like life skills training, employment readiness, and cultural programming to help youth build toward full independence. Programs like New Steps ILP also include a phased model where youth gradually take on more responsibility.
Can I access transitional housing if my extension of care agreement has ended?
Eligibility varies by program. New Steps ILP serves youth ages 16 to 21, including those whose extensions of care have ended. Other programs may have different age ranges and requirements. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, reach out directly — most programs will help you explore your options even if their particular program isn’t the right fit.
Are these housing programs only for Indigenous youth?
Mazoun is specifically designed for Métis youth and families. Nenookaasiins and New Steps ILP primarily serve Indigenous youth but may accept referrals for non-Indigenous youth aging out of care depending on capacity and circumstances. Contact each program directly to discuss eligibility.
What does “culturally grounded programming” mean in transitional housing?
Culturally grounded programming means that Indigenous culture, identity, and ways of knowing are woven into every aspect of the program — not just offered as occasional activities. This can include Elder mentorship, sharing circles, ceremony, language learning, land-based activities, and traditional arts. The goal is to help young people reconnect with their heritage as a foundation for personal growth and stability.
If you or someone you know is a young person aging out of care and looking for housing support in Winnipeg, we’re here to help. Visit our Get Help page to learn about eligibility and next steps, or ask your CFS worker to make a referral to New Steps ILP. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
