Whether you are walking down the 200 block of Avenue O South or coming up 21st Street West you can hear the shrieks, squeals and laughter of many children from our Oski Mācipayin townhouses. “Having clean, spacious, beautiful and affordable housing is definitely why we choose to stay. The complex is very family oriented and safe for my children to grow and play. Quint has created opportunities for my family to get to know our neighbours by hosting fun events”, a comment shared by one of our tenants, Cassie.

Quint is proud of the community that has formed within the new affordable build over the past two years. There is a large focus on creating opportunities to build connections between neighbours and 80% of tenants have participated in these events.

Jessica, shares the same gratitude for her townhouse, “My previous housing had my kids being exposed to other people’s poor choices and habits. Our house was too small and run down so it was making us not care. Now my kids keep their rooms clean and I’m making sure the rest of the house is clean all the time. I love being able to send my kids out to the yard to play knowing they won’t be finding things kids shouldn’t have to find.”

Overall, 40% of our tenants are either employed or in school. Our tenants have proven that obtaining stable housing is critical in supporting individuals and families in reaching their education and employment goals. Two years after welcoming 26 new families/individuals, many have achieved incredible milestones. One tenant has received her Education Degree and is working on her practicum placements, while another has received his certificate in Autobody and is currently working two positions in his field.

All of the original families have indicated that over the course of two years they have come to love their housing and neighbourhood. Jessica’s family further shared on the importance of stable housing, “We moved from our home community because of all the negative influences our family was facing and we needed to get our children back in our care. We’re doing that and our housing is because of that. We don’t feel those influences anymore.”

To date, Oski Macipayin is home to 38 adults, 57 children and 4 new babies. 88% of tenants self identify as Indigenous. We have a mix of one parent, two parent, and foster families which include community kokums and moshums.