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Winnipeg Free Press
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Fifty-nine people moved out of tents and into homes
The province has moved 59 people from encampments to housing as it works on a strategy to find shelter for an estimated 700 Manitobans who live in encampments. 'They're taking pride and flourishing,' Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith said Friday of the people who have been housed. 'We want to make sure everyone gets the proper support and they're successful.' Since the government's strategy Your Way Home was announced in January, 53 of the 59 former tent residents have moved into social housing. Six live in private rentals, a spokesman for the minister said. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith said nicer weather draws more people to tent living, but the province is working with the city, the federal government, community partners and private landlords to 'get people into housing that's a more desirable place for them.' In March, the federal-provincial welfare top-up program to help those living in encampments afford market rents stopped accepting new applications. In May, the province announced 67 new social housing units, all of which are occupied, Smith said Friday. As expected, encampments have expanded during the summer, prompting neighbours and Winnipeg city councillors to express concern about health and safety concerns — for residents in and near the tent villages, and motorists who drive by them. 'This is what happens when you normalize this type of living in tent encampments' said Marion Willis, executive director of St. Boniface Street Links. 'In the past, people seeking resources looked for someone to house them. Now they're told 'come and join us,' she said Friday. 'We've normalized an incredible level of social dysfunction,' Willis said. On Friday, Coun. Ross Eadie, whose Mynarski ward is home to several encampments, released a letter he had written to Smith, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and one of his constituents who's asked officials to address the 'crime' and 'chaos' from encampments. 'Your Way Home has the policy of providing 24/7 support for those getting out of encampments,' Eadie wrote. 'Well, we need 24/7 support for the residents living near encampments.' Smith said nicer weather draws more people to tent living, but the province is working with the city, the federal government, community partners and private landlords to 'get people into housing that's a more desirable place for them.' 'We are doing everything we can to bring as many units online as possible, and we believe the province is also working to bring every possible housing unit online as quickly as they can.'–Jamil Mahmood The head of Main Street Project, which received the only contract from the city to move people from tents to housing, said many more units are needed — and quickly. 'We are doing everything we can to bring as many units online as possible, and we believe the province is also working to bring every possible housing unit online as quickly as they can,' executive director Jamil Mahmood said in a statement Friday. Main Street Project hopes to have another 12 social housing units available in the next two weeks that can house 15 to 20 people from encampments, he said. 'The social housing being brought online has all the supports needed for people to be successful,' Mahmood said. The non-profit organization is concerned about those in private rentals relying on rent top-ups becoming at risk for homelessness again, he said. 'The rent top-up highlights how the private sector cannot fill this gap, and the need for more funded social housing is key to addressing this housing crisis,' Mahmood said. Two years ago while campaigning to become premier, Wab Kinew said it was not 'realistic' to rely on social housing alone to end chronic homelessness — that the province needs to work with the private sector and landlords to move people out of bus shelters and tents into housing. 'The premier was right on the mark,' said Willis with Street Links, which relies on private rental units to move their clients from tents to apartments. Even without the federal-provincial rent subsidy, Street Links has housed 28 people so far this month in private rentals, she said. On Friday, they were in the process of housing a couple — a pregnant woman and her partner — who had been living in a tent in the West End. They had been receiving food and water from outreach workers who suggested they get on the social housing wait list. 'It's more efficient to work with people in a housed situation than an unhoused situation,' said Willis. Low-barrier housing with some stability and security is better than no housing, she said BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS FILES Encampments have expanded during the summer, prompting neighbours and Winnipeg city councillors to express concern about health and safety concerns — for residents in and near the tent villages, and motorists who drive by them. 'You're in a house that has heat, with a toilet and fridge and stove,' she said. 'A terrible place to live is a dirty encampment on the riverbank.' On Thursday, Kinew said that when his government took office, it was constrained by the lack of housing units after the former government sold some of its housing stock. He said they're in the process of building and restoring social housing units and helping those estimated 700 Manitobans move from tents to homes. 'We're working hard,' said Kinew, who credited city and non-profit partners for working together. 'We're all on the same page,' he said. 'It's just going to take years of consistent effort to get to that 700 number. When we first committed to this, we said it would take eight years. We're two years in. If we maintain this pace, I think we'll get to where we need to go,' the premier said. — with files from the Brandon Sun Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
16-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Six week anxiety and worry program available, for free
Winnipeg Living with anxiety can feel scary and isolating, yet anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health issues. One in four people will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Fortunately, Manitobans struggling with anxiety have valuable resources at their disposal, and they're free. For almost 40 years, Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) has offered peer support and self-help programming throughout the province. Amber Schaefer is ADAM's intake coordinator. In her role, she takes calls and emails from a diverse range of people, of all ages and backgrounds, interested in programs and looking for information on how to manage anxiety. Supplied photo Bernadette Smith, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness, and Scott McFadyen, executive director of Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba, at the Action Anxiety Day Rally 2024. 'I really appreciate that we are a peer-led organization here,' said Schaefer about the registered charity. 'All of us from ADAM have lived experience with anxiety. There is something special with people asking for support. There's a mutual understanding of what it's like to live with anxiety.' These days, more and more people are referring to 'mental health,' and though it may have become a normalized part of everyday conversations, Schaefer said the stigma is still present. 'People are getting more comfortable in engaging in conversations. This is a common experience. We relate to others' experience. But I think that there's still a lot of hesitancy in reaching out. People have trouble asking for help. We want to share the message that reaching out for support when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness.' ADAM's anxiety and worry support program is a practical, evidence-based program for managing anxiety, worry, and low mood. Sessions cover anxiety, worry, uncertainty, thinking, arousal reduction and activity, and motivation. The six-week program is entirely free and is provided online via Zoom, or by telephone for people without computer access. The program is facilitated by experienced and trained peer support workers who have lived experience with anxiety. Participants work through readings and homework — including self-help exercises — which involves a time commitment of about one-and-a-half hours per week. 'It's been very valuable,' said Schaefer about the program, which uses cognitive behaviour therapy techniques. 'We've received a lot of positive feedback from people saying that it was life-changing to have the tools to manage anxiety and connect with other people who may have similar experiences.' Programs run in September, January and in April, with additional programs sometimes offered in July and August. For those who have completed the six-week program there is an ongoing online support group. Schaefer says ADAM sees an increase in anxiety during holidays, weather changes, and during world events that bring about a lot of uncertainty. Supplied photo Public education event for Pink Shirt Day 2025. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. 'People can definitely be really impacted. It's important to be informed about what's going on in the world around you, but it's also important to make time for self-care,' she said, adding that fulfillment can be found in community involvement for those able to do so. 'We have some exciting programs coming out in the fall that will expand who we are reaching. We have coaching for confidence programs; for caregivers who work with children with anxiety; programs that are geared towards adolescents 13 to 18; and programs helping young mothers, postpartum,' she said, adding that peer support and self-help is provided through group and public information sessions that encourage understanding, solutions and empathy. 'We want to remind people that they're not alone. Help is available. Our focus is public education — making that information accessible to anyone. We are able to make helpful suggestions, help you navigate. We reach all Manitobans, and we have peer support workers in all corners of the province.' Last year, ADAM provided individual support to 97 individuals and to 639 through group support programs to Winnipeggers. Outside of Winnipeg, 834 individuals received support and 418 received assistance through group support programs. Over 200 individuals were provided with suggestions for support in their communities, and 2,685 people were reached through public education initiatives. Visit or find ADAM on social media. Janine LeGalWolseley community correspondent Janine LeGal is a community correspondent for Wolseley. Know any interesting people, places and things in Wolseley? Contact her at: janinelegal@ Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
07-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Minister says ‘listening and consulting' on supervised drug site continues
Manitoba is 'forging ahead' with plans to establish its first supervised consumption site, in Winnipeg, this year, says the minister leading the charge. 'This is something that's still top of mind and something we're forging ahead on,' Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith said Monday. The NDP campaigned on a promise to establish a supervised consumption site in the 2023 election because the Tory government at the time refused to consider it. 'This is very personal for me,' the minister said in an interview. 'I've met with far too many loved ones who've lost someone to an overdose and this is about getting it right.' The province hasn't yet 'landed' on a proposed site but is 'moving toward' on having a site up and running by year's end, Smith said. On July 12, 2024, the Manitoba government announced $727,000 to support the development of an Indigenous-led supervised consumption site in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg. The Indigenous organization applied in November to Health Canada for a licence to operate the harm-reduction service in Point Douglas; its staff would be trained to respond to accidental overdoses and other emergencies, and help patients access health and social services. In April, community members at a public consultation meeting raised concerns about a proposed site at 200 Disraeli Fwy., and how it could affect the safety of their neighbourhood. 'We're listening to everyone that's coming to the table with ideas, whether that's for or against. We want to listen to both and we've certainly heard from both.'– Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith 'We're still listening and consulting with folks,' Smith said. 'We're listening to everyone that's coming to the table with ideas, whether that's for or against. We want to listen to both and we've certainly heard from both.' The NDP government's spring budget includes $1.3 million for Shared Health to contract with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre to operate the site. It would be the first Indigenous-led facility of its kind in Canada, the province says. Each proposed supervised consumption site requires an exemption under section 56.1 of the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Health Canada says. A completed application must include key information related to policies and procedures, personnel, local conditions, community consultations and finances. Health Canada lists the Winnipeg application as being in the 'review' stage and 'awaiting key information before decision can be taken.' Related Articles Many parts to fighting addictions crisis 944 needles in 16 parks over 10 days Harm reduction, not handcuffs Law-enforcement part of supervised-consumption site plan, police say Minister on hot seat over supervised drug site Opponents of supervised consumption sites need to do their research Skyrocketing opioid calls take toll on first responders Minister reassures Point Douglas safety top concern in rollout of supervised drug site 'We got lucky': Sunshine House, WFPS save 10 from overdoses Think twice before rejecting Disraeli proposal for safe consumption site Weekday Mornings A quick glance at the news for the upcoming day. 'We're not rushing this by any means,' Smith said. 'We've listened to experts, we've listened to community members, we've listened to folks on the front lines, those who are in their addictions and we're going to continue to do that work,' Smith said. 'We've also gone and looked at other jurisdictions. We want to make sure that we're creating a made in Manitoba model (where) safety and security is No. 1' with treatment and recovery supports in place. Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
29-05-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Your Way Home has moved 40 people from encampments into housing: Kinew
More than three dozen former occupants of outdoor encampments have been successfully moved into housing since a plan to end chronic homelessness was launched in January, Premier Wab Kinew said Wednesday. Kinew, answering a question in the legislature directed to Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith, said 40 people have been relocated so far. Progressive Conservative MLA Kathleen Cook had suggested the number was just 33, and wanted to know how many encampments that had been cleared are now being re-occupied. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Premier Wab Kinew said 40 people have so far been moved into housing and out of homeless encampments. Kinew said 37 of the 40 were moved into housing by Main Street Project. Last week, the Point Douglas Residents' Committee wrote a letter to the non-profit organization looking for answers after one of its vans and staff were recorded delivering tents and suitcases to a previously cleared riverbank site. The province's Your Way Home strategy calls for housing people with needed supports, clearing encampment sites and then ensuring that they're not reoccupied. On Monday, Smith said she has directed service providers to help people move out of encampments, not into them. Weekday Mornings A quick glance at the news for the upcoming day. At an unrelated press conference Wednesday morning, the premier was asked if he had an explanation or understanding of why Main Street Project was delivering tents and suitcases to an encampment. 'Yeah, I do. And I think we'll have more to share,' he said.
Winnipeg Free Press
09-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Province announces $6.4M for 67 units — some already in use — as part of homeless plan
Manitobans have begun settling into 67 new social housing units announced Friday as part of the provincial government's homelessness strategy. The Manitoba government is spending $6.4 million on the units, which were established in collaboration with Main Street Project, Siloam Mission and Sunshine House, as part of the Your Way Home plan, Premier Wab Kinew's strategy to end chronic homelessness within two terms. The units — some of which are ready now, others will be move-in ready over the next few months — are an effort to provide as much housing as possible as the weather warms and encampments become more prevalent around the city, said Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith said the units are an effort to provide as much housing as possible as the weather warms. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith said the units are an effort to provide as much housing as possible as the weather warms. 'We know that encampments pop up every year around this time. This is nothing new,' Smith said Friday morning. 'There's always lots of new encampments that pop up. This is why we're ramping up housing, we're trying to get as much housing online as possible, to get as many people into housing as possible. We know that there's a great need.' The units are spread across three buildings, whose locations are not being made public to keep people safe, a provincial spokesperson said. People using substances will be able to use while living in the units and will be offered on-site supports, including case managers and support workers. The funding includes supportive housing through Sunshine House for homeless LGBTTQ+ people. Those 14 units have already been filled with 16 people previously living in encampments, said Levi Foy, Sunshine House's executive director. 'Our housing team works with (residents) to allow them to envision and define what stability can look like for them,' Foy said. 'This can include getting residents connected with culture, connected with mental health services as well as addiction and treatment services.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Levi Foy, Sunshine House's executive director, said 14 units have already been filled with 16 people previously living in encampments. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Levi Foy, Sunshine House's executive director, said 14 units have already been filled with 16 people previously living in encampments. There have been 33 people moved from 17 encampments across the city into housing since the launch of the Your Way Home plan, with 28 being in the units announced Friday. None have returned to encampments, Smith said. Al Wiebe, a longtime homelessness advocate, said he was skeptical about the province's timeline to end chronic homelessness within eight years. 'It's not going to happen in anybody's lifetime, never mind anybody's term … because for every person that you house off the street, 1.5 come back on,' he said. Wiebe, who himself was previously homeless, said the plan did have merit in connecting Manitoba's support systems and helping them work in sync. He said one of his first jobs after finding housing was as a case manager, and it at times took seven or eight attempts to get a person into housing before they stayed. 'Everybody's pulling together in same direction, and that's a good thing. I worry about capacity to support them all. That's my biggest concern, because people do not stay in housing without supports. It's very hard,' he said. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Al Wiebe, a longtime homelessness advocate, said the plan has merit, but was skeptical about the province's timeline to end chronic homelessness within eight years but MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Al Wiebe, a longtime homelessness advocate, said the plan has merit, but was skeptical about the province's timeline to end chronic homelessness within eight years but Many of the tents that once lined Waterfront Drive along the river are gone, with the dirt under them worked up and garbage removed. A few tents, and people, remain. One told the Free Press he was there when people were being offered housing and the city was cleaning the grounds, but he had been let down before and was skeptical of the offer. 'I don't even bother anymore,' the man, who asked his name not be published, said. He had been living further down Waterfront Drive in another encampment that he said hasn't been cleared, but moved when he realized new space had opened up. He has been living on the streets in Winnipeg for about three years and works odd jobs to get by. 'It's my choice to live out here, and it's my choice to work,' he said. A woman at the encampment said she had previously lived by the river and moved elsewhere during the winter. She returned to find the area cleared out. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Elizabeth ended up in Winnipeg when she was discharged after a hospital stay with nowhere to go about a year ago. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Elizabeth ended up in Winnipeg when she was discharged after a hospital stay with nowhere to go about a year ago. Elizabeth, 26, said she'd gladly accept housing if it was offered to her, and would prefer it over shelter or street living. 'I'd feel safer in a home instead of in a building,' she said. Originally from Garden Hill First Nation, she ended up in Winnipeg when she was discharged after a hospital stay with nowhere to go about a year ago. She's working on getting sober and seeing her children again. 'Maybe I'll apply for a house,' she said. The provincial government estimates there are around 700 Manitobans living in encampments. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS An apartment is almost ready for a client once the paint has dried. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS An apartment is almost ready for a client once the paint has dried. Malak AbasReporter Malak Abas is a city reporter at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg's North End, she led the campus paper at the University of Manitoba before joining the Free Press in 2020. Read more about Malak. Every piece of reporting Malak produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
