Manitoba Métis Federation opens new traditional housing centre
The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) has opened a new housing facility aiming to give those struggling with homelessness a hand-up.
The MMF officially a 20-unit transitional housing space located at 670 Main Street on Monday.
The facility, named Fre Maachi meaning 'fresh beginnings' in Michif, features four two-bedroom suites and 16 studio apartments.
It will work as an access point to provide addiction and mental health care, and will allow residents to access employment, training and cultural programming. The units are fully furnished, and the facility has access to computers.
“We want them to avoid returning to homelessness. We want to include employment abilities. We want a personal well-being,” said Will Goodon, Minister of Housing and Property Management with the MMF.
Goodon added that one of the goals is to provide a hand-up to people who are in need of assistance, and help build them back up.
“That self-esteem, that idea that I’m worthy is so important to be able to succeed in life,” he said. “If you don’t have that, then you’re just going to provide pain for yourself and pain for your family, and that’s not what we want to do.”
The housing development is part of the federal government’s $12.7 million rapid housing initiative, and received $3.4 million from the City of Winnipeg.
Goodon said while Fre Maachi is a good step, he wants to do more to help dealing with homelessness among Metis citizens.
“Winnipeg has a very obvious need when we drive around and look around our city and see those in unsheltered situations or at risk of it,” he said.
More information about Fre Maachi can be found by calling 204-589-1613.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Suspect sought after man found injured in downtown Toronto dies in hospital
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man who was found with life-threatening injuries in downtown Toronto on Sunday morning succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Police investigating after tow trucks shot at in Scarborough two hours apart
Toronto police are investigating after tow trucks were shot at in Scarborough about two hours apart Saturday night.
Man trapped in car for nearly 45 minutes following North York collision: police
A male driver was trapped in his vehicle for nearly 45 minutes after colliding with a parked car and hydro pole on Saturday night.