January 7, 2016
Province Announces New Resources to Help Stabilize Lives of Youth with Complex Needs
– – –Safe, Short-term Housing for Emergencies; Transitional Housing for Long-term Success: Minister Irvin-Ross
The Manitoba government is investing more than $1.5 million in Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata and Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) to create new resources that will support high-risk youth during emergencies, help them stabilize their lives and give them the supports they need to succeed in school and build bright futures, Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“Youth with complex needs face daily challenges most of us couldn’t imagine and success starts with safe, stable housing,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “These new programs will help these community organizations provide safe, stable and supported housing for youth with complex needs so they can better support them and the community.”
The province is funding RaY to expand resources under its emergency shelter and transition program (REST) – with Safe Suites, and Transitional Housing Programs. Safe Suites will provide short-term emergency housing for youth facing placement breakdowns or exiting the judicial system with no immediate housing options. The Transitional Housing Program will provide seven units with educational, employment and cultural supports for to help youth in care transition into adulthood successfully, Minister Irvin-Ross said.
“This project will provide affordable housing but also long-term benefits such as stable housing for more youth, increased numbers of youth accessing community and family supports, improved education outcomes and increased opportunities for employment for these Manitobans,” said Kerri Scott, housing co-ordinator, RaY.
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, in collaboration with Pathways to Education, will receive funding for its Youth Housing Program that will offer long-term, supportive living program for Indigenous youth and young adults in Winnipeg who are at risk of dropping out of high school. The new program will start with six beds with an additional eight beds being added in 2017, the minister said.
“We are pleased to partner with government to further help youth improve their education, make healthy lifestyle choices, gain skills for successful independent living and make successful transitions from education to employment,” said Diane Redsky, executive director, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. “This innovative program also shows our strong network of community partners such as CEDA, which share in our values to give youth the best start in life.”
Youth will participate in the Pathways to Education program, which incorporates the four directions of the medicine wheel and provides a holistic approach to supporting struggling youth, the minister said.
“We know that a safe, stable home is vital to a child’s success in school and in life,” said Darlene Klyne, executive director, Pathways to Education program, CEDA. “This program will support children who may otherwise struggle to succeed by providing safe housing, support and supervision during the educational transitions in their lives.”
“Manitoba Housing was also instrumental in helping to develop these new resources,” Minister Irvin-Ross said. “This is an example of how government working in partnership with diverse community groups can come together to help youth.”
The minister noted these projects build on the Manitoba government’s previous investments in resources for youth and children in care.
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