New Winnipeg warming space to provide up to 150 beds for those facing homelessness

End Homelessness Winnipeg will work with agroup of Indigenous-led organizationsto open a new warming space that will provide up to 150 overnight beds for those facing homelessness this winter.

The province announced $1.5 million in funding for End Homelessness Winnipeg on Friday toopenthe space at 190 Disraeli Freeway a site provided by a private-sector partner, the province said in a news release.

The warming space will be operated with guidance from a coalition of Indigenous social services organizations OPK (Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin), Anishiative and Community.204 working together under the name Saabe Peacewalkers.

The coalition, working with End Homelessness, the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg, willprovide a variety of services and supports for people experiencing homelessness at the new centre, which has been given thename N'Dinawemak - Our Relatives.

Premier Heather Stefanson said the province recognizes the need for more spaces for people facing homelessness that are Indigenous-led and easier to access, especially now that winter weather has arrived.

"For many of us, the snow and colder weather we're experiencing is simply an inconvenience, but for many Manitobans, the snow and colder weather presents a far more serious threat," Stefanson said.

The goal is to provide a place where people can not only get out of the cold, but access the resources they need to address some of the issues in their lives, said Jason Whitford, chief executive officer of End Homelessness Winnipeg.

The organization's latest street census which provides a snapshot of the rate of homelessness in the cityover one 24-hour period found more than1,100 people experiencing varying levels of homelessness last April.

The report, released earlier this month, saida third of those counted in the census 370 were unsheltered peopleliving in parks, bus shelters, entryways and vacant lots, and not accessing emergency supports.

It also found atleast two-thirds of the people usingemergency shelters and transitional housing spaceswere Indigenous.

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said the centre announced Friday is an example of how creative solutions are needed to address the issue of homelessness.

"Making things uncomfortable for people who are literally in a bad situation is not acceptable. We have to find innovative ways," he said.

Conrad Woodford, who livesat the nearbySalvation Army shelter, knows some people experiencing homelessness appreciate beingon their own.

"That's what they prefer. Theyknow the streets well. They know where to hang out, where to sleep," he said. "If that's their preference,that's their choice."

But he hopes they don't refuse places to stay warmas the weather gets colder.

Woodfordis expecting to soon find a permanent home now that he's got a job working with anelectrician.

Starting Friday, Saabe Peacewalkers will operate a 24-7outdoor warming space with support from the Downtown Community Safety Partnership, which will havetwo teepees and supervised fires.

New Winnipeg warming shelter for those facing homelessness this winter

3 years ago

Duration 1:51

End Homelessness Winnipeg will work with a group of Indigenous-led organizations to open a new warming space that will provide up to 150 overnight beds for those facing homelessness this winter.