Funding announced to add staff at family violence and homeless shelters

The province is looking to alleviate staff shortages at family violence and homeless shelters with a new program.

The Manitoba government is putting forward $450,000 that will be used to "develop and deliver" a micro-credential training program.

"As noted in our November 2021 speech from the throne, our government recognizes the need for increased funding for family violence shelters and other key supports. We are committed to developing a homelessness strategy," said Rochelle Squires, the minister of families and status of women, in a news release.

Squires said the Manitoba Status of Women Secretariat and the Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters (MAWS) have entered an agreement to deliver this new program to up to 30 participants.

Amrita Chavan, communications specialist with MAWS, said a program like this has been needed for a long time.

"These discussions have been ongoing for a while, at least most of this year and last year. Everyone has been aware (of the need) for more training for shelters, but we really needed to sit down together and sort of discussed how we needed to roll that out," said Chavan.

Red River College Polytechnic will develop the course and MAWS will manage administration and provide knowledge, guidance and training to those taking the program.

She said the reason shelters haven't been able to retain staff is due to inadequate training.

"When you are a shelter staff worker there are some very specific skills you need and if you are not trained for working in that sort of a care environment, then it becomes very difficult to continue to provide care long-term."

Chavan added the program will include practical and theoretical components, such as crisis communication skill development and conflict resolution.

Cliff Cullen, the minister of economic development, investment and trade, said the province and country learned the effectiveness of micro-credential programs to alleviate staff shortages during the pandemic.

Squires said data shows the sector has been dealing with "unprecedented" staffing shortages and it was only made worse through the pandemic.

"As we continue recovering from the pandemic, community supports and a safe place for Manitobans to stay are needed now more than ever," said Squires.

Chavan said the 30 participants will be in the program for a year and then will be available to enter the shelter workforce.

"We’re looking at staff that have the skills to support clients long-term. Which means no staffing shortages, which means solid foundational training, which means better care for clients," said Chavan.

She said it isn't known yet when the program will officially start, but they are working with Red River College to determine an appropriate date.