The Madison, Siloam Mission’s supportive housing facility located on Evanson Street in Wolseley, was built in 1945 as dormitory-style housing for staff of the old Grace Hospital.
When Siloam Mission purchased the building in 2011, we began some important renovations and upgrades to turn it into a warm and welcoming supportive housing facility. With 85 private rooms, a shared kitchen and dining room serving three meals a day, and shared living and recreational areas, the Madison becomes home for many residents each year who are transitioning out of homelessness, but who need some support and cannot live entirely on their own.
The space is designed for intentional community building, with on-site staff and case workers to help support and engage residents, many of whom live with cognitive and/or physical challenges, or struggle with mental illness.
The Madison is a long-term supportive living environment, where many residents plan to spend the rest of their lives. About half of the residents are seniors and access home care. Many residents build lifelong friendships and community here, supporting one another like family.
Some residents will call The Madison home for just a few years, as a transitional housing environment while working toward more independence.
Many of these individuals will come from the shelter at Siloam Mission and may be living with conditions like Acquired Brain Injury, finding a unique and supportive community here during their recovery.
Our next challenge at The Madison is a major upgrade and renovation to make the interior spaces more comfortable for the residents. Our aging heating system is at risk of failing soon and urgently needs to be replaced. The building also lacks air conditioning, which can make for uncomfortably warm days and nights during Winnipeg’s hot summer months.
With the generous lead gift from The John and Bonnie Buhler Foundation, along with contributions from End Homelessness Winnipeg, and The City of Winnipeg, we will embark on these crucial renovations and upgrades. While we work on upgrading our heating and cooling systems, we also want to make some improvements to our common spaces that help make The Madison a comfortable home for residents. These areas have experienced a lot of wear and tear over the years, and upgrades like new flooring, lighting, paint and furniture will make things more comfortable for those who rely on the spaces for programming, relaxation and socializing – all important to residents’ wellbeing and sense of dignity.
Upgraded bathrooms and accessibility features are also a need for the aging population who calls The Madison their forever home, creating a more comfortable, dignified living environment for all.
We invite you to be a part of this important work, as we raise $6 million to cover the costs of the project and aim for completion in September 2023. Please consider investing in the lives of our neighbours who call The Madison home.
Download or view the brochure here.
For more information or to discuss your gift, please contact Judy Leiman at Judy.Leiman@siloam.ca or call 204.956.4344