Provincial money to keep shelters open 24-7 during winter
Some emergency shelters are getting provincial cash to keep their doors open around the clock during the winter.
On Thursday, Housing Minister Bernadette Smith said a $2.6-million pilot program for five shelters to operate as 24-7 “service hubs” launched in October and will continue through March 31.
Organizations receiving money to open during daytime hours include Siloam Mission, Main Street Project, Blue Door Drop-In Centre, Oscar’s Place and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. Budget realities mean most shelter facilities provide only overnight or limited hours of service, regardless of seasonal weather conditions.
MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Housing Minister Bernadette Smith says five 24-7 “service hubs” that launched in October will continue to operate until March 31.
The provincial funding and pilot program was previously announced by the former Progressive Conservative government in July.
“As someone with lived experience, I know how important it is to keep people warm and sheltered from the frigid Prairie temperatures,” Smith said in a release. “Providing vital daytime drop-in options is part of the essential wraparound supports being offered to assist more Manitobans as they transition from homelessness.”
The new Swan River Drop-In Centre will also receive $450,000 from the province. According to a release, it will be the first provincially funded service in the region for people experiencing homelessness and is scheduled to open open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Offering daytime drop-in options is vital to ensure fewer Manitobans suffer from exposure to extreme weather conditions, Smith said. The extended operating hours also provide a safe, supportive place for people to connect with services, visit with friends and support safer communities.
“This is where we can have meaningful housing conversations, connect people with employment and income assistance, access medical care and more,” Siloam Mission chief executive officer Tessa Blaikie-Whitecloud said in a release. “It is during the day that we solve homelessness. A good night’s rest is only a first step.”
Credit: Provincial money to keep shelters open 24-7 during winter
