A new transitional housing facility has opened up in downtown Winnipeg.

Fre Maachi, a 20-unit building run by the Manitoba Metis Federation, will house Red River Métis citizens who are unsheltered or at risk of homelessness. 

"This opening marks a significant milestone in addressing the homelessness crisis in the City of Winnipeg," said Deputy Mayor Janice Lukes.

Fre Maachi, which stands for fresh beginnings, will feature 20 units, four two-bedroom suites set aside for women and children, and 16 studio apartments. It will also offer wrap-around services, including vocational counselling, employment and training services and mental health and addictions services.

Fre MaachiFre Maachi located at 670 Main Street (Will Goodon/Twitter)

"It's not just a silo. This is going to be the whole Metis nation wrapping around those who need it most," said Manitoba Metis Federation  Minister of Housing & Property Management, Will Goodon. "We will be changing lives." 

Each of the units, located at 670 Main Street, will be fully furnished, and residents will have access to computers, free laundry and a spiritual room. 

The development is part of the federal government’s $12.7 million Rapid Housing Initiative, which received $3.4 million from the City of Winnipeg.