The newest leader of one of the city's large downtown shelters is from Winnipeg.

Jamil Mahmood will be stepping into the role of Executive Director of Main Street Project on January 4 in 2021.

“I am really excited to join the Main Street Project leadership team," Mahmood says in a statement. "Main Street Project is a leader in the homelessness sector and I couldn’t be more honoured than to work with these amazingly talented and highly committed people.”

Main Street project says Mahmood is a "passionate and tireless advocate" for those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse issues.

"Jamil brings to Main Street Project a wealth of knowledge and diverse background of experiences supporting the most vulnerable members of our community," Main Street Project says. "Through all of his work and experiences, Jamil has seen firsthand the importance of and better outcomes when meeting people where they are at, as well as the importance of collaborating with many different partners and funders to meet the needs of the community served by Main Street Project.

Mahmood replaces Bobbette Shoffner, who was acting as an interim executive director. 

He previously worked with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority's mobile outreach service, and as the Executive Director for the Spence Neighbourhood Association. The new executive is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg, studying International Development Studies. Mahmood spent time in Ecuador and Pakistan before his studies.

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