Built in 2007, the Pocket House model is a recent development aimed at alleviating one segment of the affordable housing need in Manitoba. In 2003, S.A.M Management retained ND LEA Inc. to undertake a feasibility study for an affordable alternative to rooming house accommodations. The study, which was funded through a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Proposal Development Fund (PDF) loan, concluded that construction of new buildings, on scattered narrow infill lots, would fit well with the City of Winnipeg’s inventory of vacant lots in residential neighborhoods. 

Pocket Suites offer a unique alternative to living in a rooming house setting. Each home has eight individual units with no shared space and private bathrooms. Each unit is roughly 200+ square feet and feature a small kitchen, sleeping area and three piece bathroom. Windows provide natural light and good cross ventilation during summer. The main floor units have no stairs and one unit for each home is handicap accessible.