Homelessness on the rise as encampments spread to Steinbach [Video]

Communities outside of the perimeter aren’t immune to the housing and affordability struggles seen in Winnipeg.

Encampments are popping up in Steinbach, Man., where outreach workers say homelessness has skyrocketed since the pandemic.

“It’s not just a big city issue and it’s not just an influx of people who have come out from Winnipeg,” said Charlene Kroeker with Steinbach Community Outreach.

Those living in the encampment told CTV News it’s difficult, especially with the temperatures starting to fall and winter just around the corner.

“There have been moments where it’s like -50 C out with the wind chill and we are going to go to the camps to check on people. Are they all going to be alive?” Kroeker asked.

Kroeker said most of the people living in the encampments are locals. Over the last two years, the need for support has quadrupled.

“Before the pandemic, we were helping about …