Community volunteers fighting homelessness

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/03/2021 (1838 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I have risen in the house time and time again to call on the Pallister government to take action in addressing the increasing population of homelessness in Manitoba. Manitobans in Point Douglas and across the province are struggling to survive and yet this government refuses to take the steps that are needed to save lives.

During the coldest weeks of the winter, community volunteers came together to do what this government will not and provided shelter, food and warm clothing to those who most needed it.

In February, the Community Caring Camp was formed by a coalition of Indigenous grassroots organizations who set up teepees outside the Thunderbird House to give unsheltered Manitobans a warm place to go. The camp was a huge success thanks to the empathy, love, and hard work of groups like Anishiative, Community 204, and Mama Bear Clan Patrol.

Homelessness is a systemic crisis – no Manitoban wakes up and wants to be unsheltered, particularly in such a ruthless climate. We know that homelessness is a symptom of other crises our province is facing, namely poverty, addiction, and mental health. The Pallister government cut funding to Addictions Manitoba during a pandemic — when overdoses have been skyrocketing and babies are being born with congenital syphilis — and plans to restructure Addictions Foundation Manitoba during Phase 2 of its health care cuts. This will directly harm Manitobans struggling with addictions.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is hopefully nearing its end, the crisis of mental health is increasing and more supports are needed. Manitobans have become increasingly isolated in the past year. This has worsened everyone’s mental health but is particularly dangerous for people who were already on the verge of a mental health crisis.

The pandemic has also reduced the supports available for people to access and the Pallister government has failed to compensate for this loss. We need more resources today to help save lives and get Manitobans the support that they need.

I am so grateful for the community volunteers, here in Point Douglas and across the province, who have stepped up when this government stepped back. Their empathy and love is making our community a better place — now if only the Pallister government would follow suit.

I will continue calling upon this government to immediately increase available affordable housing, supports for mental health, and harm reduction for Manitobans with addictions. This government has a responsibility.

Please contact my office anytime at 204-414-1477 or bernadette.smith@yourmanitoba.ca