Winnipeg's 1st tiny-homes village for homeless builds relationships, adapts to challenges

The staff at Astum Api Niikinaahk have learned a lot about what it takes to care for some of the most vulnerable people in Winnipeg.

It's been nearly two years since Winnipeg's first tiny-homes village for people escaping homelessness, built behind Thunderbird House on Main Street, welcomed its first residents.

Jason Bell remembers the feeling he had when he moved in more than a year ago, after years of living in shelters around downtown Winnipeg.

"It was awesome. I got to sleep on … my own bed," Bell said in an interview with CBC News, sitting outside in the courtyard.

After experiencing many successes, but also some challenges with some of their first residents, co-ordinator Melissa Stone says more supports are required to help people with the highest needs.

"You learn how people are, what your obstacles are, what your celebrations are, [and] how much trauma people come with that you don't understand until you're there working with individuals," Stone said.

Images of the silhouettes of animals sit above each of the 22 doors surrounding the quiet courtyard inside the walls of Astum Api Niikinaahk. The one with the bison belongs to Bell.

"It took me a while to get used to the room, but after I got used to the room, it just became home for me," he said.

Bell likes that he knows his neighbours.