Kim Bouvette has taken to the streets herself in an effort to help keep vulnerable youth off those same streets at night.
Bouvette has started a petition and questionnaire about creating a new safe space in Winnipeg’s West End.
She said such a facility would remain open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
“I just feel there’s a real need right now for these young girls to have a safe space at nighttime,” Bouvette said.
Her own experience as a youth in Winnipeg and the death of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine moved her to help make a difference.
With help from her niece, 26-year-old Jessica Luna, Bouvette has interviewed youth in the West End and other people who live in the area about the need for such a facility.
“The survey that we are doing is asking the kids - what would they like to see in a safe house,” Bouvette said.
Ndinwae in the North End and Rossbrook House offers similar programming but Bouvette said youth in the West End would feel more comfortable going to a facility in their own area of the city.
She is working with the Spence Neighbourhood Association.
The organization has tried to open a facility like this in the past.
Executive Director Jamil Mahmood said going to the community first should help with getting financial support from either the private sector or government.
He said there’s a need for a facility like this, but said the challenge will be getting funding for programming and staff.
Mahmood said if they can get the cash, the space could likely be incorporated into an existing building in the neighbourhood.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Bouvette had collected 800 signatures.
She wants to get at least 1,000.
