Government addresses Homelessness in Manitoba
November 23, 2009

MANITOBA BUILDS ON COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS WITH STREET OUTREACH


Manitoba will increase supports and services that will help move hundreds of people struggling with homelessness into transitional or long-term housing, Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.

“We want to make every effort to reach out to the people who are on the street or in emergency shelters,” said Irvin-Ross. “By partnering with community resources, we can have a real impact in the daily lives of Manitobans struggling with homelessness by assisting them to connect with culturally appropriate support services and housing.”

Manitoba has committed $357,000 to fund seven outreach mentors, who will work collaboratively on behalf of homeless individuals, helping them to connect to supports that are available in Winnipeg, Thompson, The Pas and Brandon. The mentors will work closely with the Canadian Mental Health Commission of Canada project on homelessness that is also supported by Manitoba.

“Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) is honoured to partner with the Province of Manitoba and the other agencies in a project that recognizes the street outreach and housing expertise of these organizations,” said Kelly Holmes, executive director RaY. “This new program will provide capacity to help individuals experiencing homelessness access the necessary services and resources needed to make a difference in their lives.”

As a team, the outreach mentors will work with vulnerable individuals in their community and help guide them through day to day activities in a holistic manner.

“The foundation of healthy living is good housing. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Westman is proud to be part of this new strategy that will connect homeless people and those with mental health challenges to stable, secure housing and support services,” said Glen Kruck, regional manager of CMHA Westman. “We believe this strategy can improve lives while at the same time reduce demand on other services such as emergency rooms and crisis services.”

The team of outreach mentors will work out of the Main Street Project, Salvation Army, RaY and Spence Neighbourhood Association in Winnipeg, and CMHA Westman in Brandon, CMHA Thompson, and The Pas Friendship Centre. Each of the agencies brings significant experience and demonstrated community partnerships in dealing with individuals experiencing homelessness, the minister said.

This project was developed under All Aboard, Manitoba’s poverty-reduction strategy.