2024 Annual Report
Welcome from the Board Chair.
The WestEnd Commons (WEC) started as a dream in the early 2000s to create safe, low-cost homes for those struggling to find affordable housing, all the while preserving a beautiful old building and the group of people using it as a worship space. With a vision of providing shelter for the 'hard to house,' the project saw the 1,200-seat sanctuary converted into 26 housing units, including a play space for children, all while maintaining a worship space for St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, the original and ongoing owners of the building. The basement became home to the Neighbourhood Resource Centre (NRC), a group of non-profit organizations dedicated to serving the local community with a variety of services. Several faith groups also call the WestEnd Commons home.
With housing becoming a larger focus of many levels of government in 2024, we are grateful for the publicity, the stories of struggle and success, and the funding that is slowly becoming more readily available to support ongoing projects like the WestEnd Commons. Our dream of supporting those struggling in a great variety of ways is often challenged by government support that requires a specific project focus or limits financial support to new programming. As a result of these limits, the funding for our Housing Coordinator position ended in March 2024, bringing extra challenges not only for the residential tenants but also for the remaining staff. Our staff have gone—and continue to go—well beyond daily requirements to help those in need. The success stories are truly heartwarming. Thank you to our staff for the support, love, and care you so willingly give to those in need.
The offices, meeting rooms, and the commercial kitchen that make up the NRC have been busy places in 2024. People are once again renting spaces to gather together. We are happy to host and offer spaces within our community to gather. We welcome and thank all the groups and individuals who have become part of the WestEnd Commons community in 2024.
A Challenge – for us as a Board, but also to you, the community that supports us so faithfully and willingly. We are looking forward with hope to provide further and more comprehensive support and services to all who live in and around the WestEnd Commons. We see much to be grateful for, but we also want to be realistic and acknowledge the coming challenges. We are dreaming and starting to explore how we can expand our membership support base. Our initial questions include: could we add another faith group to the membership groups? Maybe a community group? Or a consortium of some description? Maybe we could change our organizational structure in another way? Can you help us dream?
A few thank yous – To the organizations, individuals, staff, and tenants for your work in bringing back safety and security to the NRC and the larger WestEnd Commons. Your work, in both the physical upgrades and the conversations that brought back stability after the break-ins of 2023, has not gone unnoticed. At the writing of this report, it has been almost two years without a break-in. We are thankful.
To the families and original tenants of the WestEnd Commons. You have helped us become who we are today. Without you, we would not have celebrated 10 years of success in October.
To everyone who supported and came to celebrate our 10th Anniversary in October. A special thank you to the dancers, musicians, donors of food, art, in-kind gifts, and more. Thank you!
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed time, money, ideas, and ongoing support to our project to replace the shingled portion of our roof. Thank you!
To all of you who have and continue to support us in some way.
To the staff of WestEnd Commons who go above and beyond daily – Olga Rogozina (Executive Director), Wren Robertson (Building Manager), Angela Senek (Finance Manager), and Travis Hunnie (Housing Coordinator until June 2024).
To my fellow board members, past and present, your commitment, hard work, and dedication are appreciated.
And to you, our supporters—without you, none of this would be possible; so thank you!
Wth appreciation,
Linda Dueck
Message from the Executive Director
Each year, the St. Matthews Non-profit housing (SMNPH) Annual General Meeting is an opportunity to share with you the performance highlights, achievements, and future outlook of WestEnd Commons (WEC). In reflecting on the year that was, I would like to communicate three important messages to our community.
The first message is about challenges. In 2024, operational costs steadily increased while overall labour productivity in Canada remained below pre-pandemic levels. Despite these obstacles, we adjusted our operations and made effective use of our resources. As a result, not only did we maintain financial stability, but we also completed a major capital project—replacing the main portion of our roof. I extend my sincere thanks to our financial and maintenance teams for their professionalism and dedication. Looking forward, one of our goals is to continue growing a stable reserve fund to help manage both external and internal financial challenges.
The second message is about our journey. In 2024, we celebrated two meaningful anniversaries. SMNPH was incorporated in 2009 and welcomed its first residential tenants in 2014. Our success is rooted in strong foundational decisions made by our founding members—the Parish of St. Matthew and Grain of Wheat Church-Community. These decisions, coupled with increasing demand for not-for-profit housing and support services, have shaped our growth. It is also thanks to the collaborative governance of our Board, committees, and staff that we have been able to remain focused on our core mission: to serve our tenants, leaseholders, and broader community with compassion and accountability. I want to express my deep appreciation for the integrity, vision, and commitment demonstrated by everyone involved.
My final message is about community. I extend heartfelt thanks to our tenants, Neighbourhood Resource Center, leaseholders, funders, donors, partners, and collaborators. Your generosity, creativity, and encouragement helped sustain us through another demanding year. In particular, your responses to our calls for help—whether through time, funds, or advocacy—are deeply appreciated.
Looking ahead, one of our key priorities will be reconciliation. At WestEnd Commons, we are committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through both understanding and action. As a non-Indigenous-led organization, we acknowledge our privilege and role within colonial systems and our responsibility to be part of dismantling them.
Thank you for being a vital part of the WestEnd Commons community in 2024. I am excited to see what we will achieve together in 2025 and beyond.
— Olga Rogozina, Executive Director
Recognizing Funders and Partners
2024 was a challenging but exciting year. We have been able to achieve our goals because of
our staff and ongoing support from founders, donors, our members - Grain of Wheat Church-
Community and Parish of St. Matthew. We would like to share our success with the following
fund providers:
Government of Canada: Community Services Recovery Fund managed by United Way Winnipeg
Government of Manitoba: Non-Profit Community Pest Control Grant
Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association: Housing Supports Initiative Grant
City of Winnipeg: Property Tax Rebate
Catherine Donnelly Foundation Grant
Winnipeg Foundation: Youth Grant
Winnipeg Foundation, Professional Development Grant
Winnipeg Foundation: Emergency Fund
WRHA: Healthy Together Now Grant
Roof Replacement Project:
Winnipeg Foundation: Community Grant
Gerry and Barb Price
Mahon Family Foundation
Thomas Sill Foundation
Tall Grass Bakery
Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop
Jewish Foundation
Access Credit Union
2024 Free Events’ Providers and Partners
We would like to appreciate Winnipeg Firefighter and Paramedic Service for the Fire Safety
workshop, City of Winnipeg for providing free pool passes to our residential tenants and also
the Winnipeg Humane Society for facilitating a free pet clinic for a larger community in our
Neighbourhood Resource Centre.
Celebrating Our Staff & Board
At the heart of WestEnd Commons is a team of deeply committed staff and board members who pour their time, care, and skills into this community every day. Their dedication ensures that our mission of providing safe, supportive, and inclusive housing thrives.
Meet the Staff*
Olga Rogozina – Executive Director
Wren Robertson – Building Manager & Housing Coordinator
Travis Hunnie – Community Housing Coordinator (January–June)
Angela Senek – Finance Manager
Jay Patel – Bookkeeper (joined in May)
Sharon Ball – Custodian & Neighbourhood Resource Center (NRC)Event Host
Linda Sharpe – Event Host & Custodian/ Harm Reduction Support
Stephanie Sinclair – Custodian
Dylan Young – Maintenance Support Worker (Building Manager replacement; started in July)
Jordan Boulette – Maintenance Assistant (Youth Employment Program; started in October)
Each person on this list brings something unique and essential to the day-to-day running of our building and community spaces. Whether fixing pipes, balancing books, cleaning halls, or providing a warm welcome to renters and residents, they help make WestEnd Commons a home.
2024 Board Members*
Linda Dueck – Chair of the Board, NRC & Staff Relations Committees
Marvin Hamm – Vice-Chair, Community Life and Maintenance Committees
Pamela Grift – Treasurer, Finance Committee (started in March)
Michael Gregoire – Treasurer, Finance and Maintenance Committees (January–March)
Cathy Byard – Chair of the Community Life Committee, Fundraising Committee
Patricia Stewart – Secretary, NRC and Staff Relations Committees
Liane Veness – Maintenance Committee
Laura Jackson – Fundraising Committee & Social Media
Dennis McNab – Maintenance Committee
Thank you to each of you for your leadership, thoughtfulness, and unwavering commitment to the people and vision of WestEnd Commons.
Staff Relations Report
How does one adequately say thank you to the people who are so generous with their time and talents, who love and serve those who call WestEnd Commons home? We are deeply grateful to all of our staff and volunteers for their dedication and care to everyone who walks through the doors of 641 St. Matthews and 365 McGee.
In 2024, WestEnd Commons employed:
3 permanent full-time Employees (1.5 FTE funded by WEC, 1.5 FTE through grants)
1 permanent part-time Employee
Several casual staff members
Key Team Members:
Olga Rogozina, Executive Director for the past 4.5 years, brings both lived experience and strong leadership. Her adaptability and commitment to learning are key to our success.
Wren Robertson, Building Manager and Housing Coordinator, combines technical knowledge with excellent interpersonal skills to ensure the building runs smoothly and safely.
Travis Hunnie, Community Housing Coordinator (January–June), was a compassionate and effective bridge between tenants and supports. Although we lost this position due to funding, we are thankful for Travis’s impact.
Angela Senek, Finance Manager (5 years), continues to manage our financial systems with clarity and patience.
Jay Patel joined in June as Administrative Assistant to Angela, contributing fresh energy and support.
Casual Staff Contributions:
Linda, Stephanie, and Sharon – tenants of WEC who help maintain cleanliness and provide harm reduction support. Your presence and work matter deeply.
Youth Support:
Thanks to a grant from The Winnipeg Foundation, WEC youth tenants joined the team, gaining valuable experience while supporting maintenance and facility needs. Their energy and dedication were deeply appreciated.
We also want to thank our funders:
Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association
Catherine Donnelly Foundation
Government of Canada Community Services Recovery Fund
Their partnership has helped us keep this vital work going.
Thank you, everyone, for the heart, hope, and hard work you bring to this community every single day.
Submitted by: Linda Dueck
Treasurer’s Report
Finance Committee Members:
Pamela Grift – Treasurer
Linda Dueck – Board Chair
Angela Senek – Finance Manager
Olga Rogozina – Executive Director
2024 was another strong year financially for WestEnd Commons. With careful oversight from our Finance Manager, Executive Director, and Board leadership, all expenditures were managed with fiscal responsibility. Low vacancy rates in both our housing and NRC spaces, paired with generous donations and grants, resulted in higher-than-budgeted income.
Roof Replacement Project
A major milestone in 2024 was the successful completion of the shingled roof replacement. This project was made possible by the generous support of:
The Winnipeg Foundation
The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba
The Thomas Sill Foundation
Mahon Family Foundation
The Pollard Family Foundation
Gerry and Barb Price
Grain of Wheat Church-Community
Access Credit Union
Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop
And numerous generous individual donors
A heartfelt thank-you to Marvin Hamm and the Maintenance Committee for their dedication and leadership in bringing this critical project to completion.
Public Recognition
WestEnd Commons was featured in the Winnipeg Free Press Philanthropy page, highlighting our 10th Anniversary Concert held on October 19, 2024. The article and accompanying photo of Laura Jackson, Olga Rogozina, and Linda Dueck brought positive attention to the work of WestEnd Commons. The event raised $5,700.
Audited Financial Statements
Our 2024 financials were audited and prepared by Exchange Group Chartered Professional Accountants. Thank you to all the donors, sponsors, and supporters whose investments help keep WestEnd Commons a stable, welcoming, and thriving place for all who call it home.
Submitted by Pamela Grift, Treasurer
eighbourhood Resource Centre (NRC) Update
There are so many cherished stories from the people and partners who share space at 641 St. Matthews and 365 McGee. Whether it's St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 1JustCity, or Evermore Gather Grow Lead Inc., a spirit of collaboration has long defined the Neighbourhood Resource Centre.
When the WestEnd Commons was developed, the NRC was created in the basement (365 McGee) as a hub for small non-profits to offer services in the community. That spirit of shared space and purpose continues today.
In 2024, the NRC hosted 10 organizational leaseholders:
The Parish of St. Matthew’s
Grain of Wheat Church-Community
Spence Neighbourhood Association
Youth Employment Hub
Housing Program Hub
Cultural Centre Hub
Thelma Wynne Project
Communist Party of Manitoba
Mike Edwards Counselling Service
Communities 4 Families
Winnipeg Central Mosque Office
HOOD FAMS (Holistic Ongoing Opportunities, Development, Facilitation and Management Services Inc.)
Alongside our regular tenants, the NRC welcomed many groups through short-term bookings—by the hour, day, or even a few weeks. These included:
Faith groups such as St. Matthew’s & St. Paul’s Seniors Group, Courageous Heart Ministries, Shiloh Apostolic, and Devotional Pentecostal
Grass Roots Kitchen, who used our kitchen as a ghost kitchen while their new space was built
Security Upgrades
Thanks to emergency funding from The Winnipeg Foundation, we added:
A new door at the north end of the NRC hallway
Extra fencing around the air exchange unit at the back of the building
2024 Usage Statistics (compared to 2023):
Kitchen renters: 13 (6 new) — down 24%
Total kitchen bookings: 309 — up 42%
Meeting room renters: 30 (12 new) — up 36%
Total bookings: 199 — up 6%
Assembly Hall bookings: 87 — up 71%
Drop-in usage: 89 — up 456%
MPR bookings: 15 — up 114%
Atrium bookings: 9 — down 88%
This was a busy, vibrant year for the NRC—proof that our space continues to meet real community needs.
Submitted Linda Dueck
Fundraising Committee Highlights
Committee Members:
Cathy Byard (Chair), Laura Jackson, Olga Rogozina
Additional members for the Tenth Anniversary Event (October 19): Gail Schnabl, Lynda Loeppky. Number of Meetings Held: 6
The Fundraising Committee helps WestEnd Commons meet its financial goals by planning and carrying out strategic fundraising activities. Our responsibilities include developing action plans, identifying funding sources, implementing campaigns, and supporting donor engagement.
Highlight of 2024: 10th Anniversary Celebration
2024 marked the 10th anniversary of welcoming tenants and organizations into the WestEnd Commons building. We chose to celebrate this milestone with a concert at the West End Cultural Centre on Saturday, October 19.
Headlining band: The Spectacles
Performances by: The Burundi Singers, South Sudanese Dancers, and an Indigenous dancer
Members contributed 160+ hours organizing this event.
Tasks included securing sponsors, organizing a silent auction, running social media campaigns, coordinating volunteers, and overseeing ticket sales through Eventbrite. Snacks and refreshments were also organized for the event intermission.
Financial Impact
Profit from the concert: $7,900
Sponsorships raised: $2,400
Additional donations received: ~$3,500
Total donations to WEC in 2024: $26,700
These funds significantly supported the roof replacement project and general operations. This was the first time the committee formally sought sponsorships, and it proved to be a promising path forward
We are so grateful to all the individuals, groups, and businesses who supported us in 2024. Every donation of time, money, and energy brings us closer to our mission of safe and affordable housing in the West End.
Submitted by Cathy Byard, March 2025
Building Management & Maintenance Update
The Maintenance Committee, chaired by Marvin Hamm, includes Liane Veness, Dennis McNab, Don Rempel, and Paul Kochan. Together, they support the Building Manager and oversee long-term planning and care of our historic facility.
Staff & Support
Wren Robertson served as Building Manager throughout 2024, offering steady, professional oversight of all systems and services in the building.
Jordan Boulette, placed through the Spence Neighbourhood Association from September 2024 to March 2025, assisted with maintenance and learned valuable skills in property management.
Dylan Young provided essential weekend and holiday coverage during the summer months.
Purpose Construction sent a team of trainees to repaint large sections of the NRC at no cost to WEC!
Our cleaning team — Sharon Ball, Linda Sharpe, and Stephanie Sinclair — kept the building, yard, and sidewalks clean and welcoming.
Major Project: Roof Replacement
In 2024, we completed a full replacement of the shingled roof — last redone in 2005 — at a cost of $170,000. The work was coordinated and monitored by JDB Consulting and expertly completed by Above All Roofing in October.
Funding for the project included:
$150,000 in donations from individuals, foundations, and community supporters
No-interest private loans for the remaining balance
We gratefully acknowledge:
The Winnipeg Foundation, Thomas Sill Foundation, Mahon Family Foundation, Gerry and Barb Price, Pollard Family Foundation, Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Tall Grass Prairie Bakery, Access Credit Union, Kildonan MCC Thrift Store, and Grain of Wheat Church-Community.
Additional Building Improvements
Added security cameras in common areas
Installed a new doorway in the NRC hallway
Fenced off the equipment yard to enhance protection
Ongoing Maintenance
Thanks to our dedicated staff and contractors (covering everything from elevators to pest control), WEC has remained a safe and functioning home. And importantly, we’ve gone almost two years without a break-in.
Thank you to everyone who helps keep this building strong, safe, and full of life.
Submitted by Marvin Hamm
Community Life Committee: 2024 Annual Report
Committee Members:
Cathy Byard (Chair), Marvin Hamm (Secretary), Gail Schnabl, Rev. Deacon Colleen Matthews, Alescha Anderson (joined May)
Staff Support: Olga Rogozina (Executive Director), Wren Robertson (Building Manager), Travis Hunnie (Housing Co-ordinator, Jan–June)
The Community Life Committee (CLC) supports the WestEnd Commons mission by helping create and sustain a healthy, caring residential environment. At our monthly meetings, we acted as a sounding board for staff regarding tenant issues, community events, and building operations.
Meetings Held: 10 (no meetings in July or August)
Highlights from 2024
Housing Co-ordinator Support: Travis Hunnie worked directly with tenants from January to June, welcoming new residents, explaining regulations, supporting arrears repayment plans, and organizing tenant workshops. When funding for his role ended, Olga and Wren took on his responsibilities, with the committee offering direct support to manage workload stress.
Tenant Handbook Revisions: The committee helped revise the handbook. Updates included:
A one-time $175 pet fee
A ban on burning candles in apartments
Prohibition of in-suite washing machines due to flood risks
Additional revisions (such as clarification around repair responsibilities) are planned for 2025.
Pest Control: Cockroach, bedbug, and mice issues were addressed with a new pest control company, with marked improvement. Staff showed compassion in recognizing how mental health and physical limitations can affect tenants’ ability to maintain pest-free homes.
Rent Arrears: Staff worked closely with tenants to reduce arrears (which reached $2,000–$4,000). In most cases, arrears were resolved with help from Jordan’s Principle and Siloam Mission. Sadly, two evictions were necessary.
Community Events: Despite challenges, staff hosted cultural circles, community kitchens, arts and crafts workshops, a free pet clinic, and a fire safety session. Community support from Spence Neighbourhood Association, Seniors Club, Mike Edwards Counselling, West Central Women’s Resource Centre, and Acorn Family Place helped enrich tenant life.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The CLC is eager to continue supporting staff and hopes the Housing Co-ordinator role can be reinstated. We are committed to working as a team to promote problem-solving and community care.
Submitted by Cathy Byard, March 2025
A Call to Action: Join Us in Building Community
At WestEnd Commons, community isn’t just a word — it’s our heartbeat. And there are many ways you can help keep it strong. We invite you to get involved in one (or more!) of the following ways:
Board Membership
We are currently seeking new board members who bring diverse skills and a shared commitment to our mission. If you’re passionate about community development and affordable housing, we’d love to hear from you.
Committee Membership
WestEnd Commons is supported by several vibrant committees that guide and sustain our operations. We welcome participation from tenants and community members alike on the following committees:
Fundraising
Neighbourhood Resource Centre – Social Enterprise
Staff Relations
Maintenance
Community Life
Finance
Your voice and experience matter.
Donor Partnership
Financial support from people who believe in our mission is essential. Whether it's a one-time gift or a monthly donation, big or small, every contribution helps us:
Maintain affordable housing
Support residents and community partners
Plan for long-term sustainability
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Olga Rogozina — director@thewestendcommons.ca
Let’s keep building this community together.