News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

November 25, 2019

Province Issuing Request for Supportive Recovery Housing Proposals

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One Hundred New Beds Will Help Manitobans in Recovery, Reduce Likelihood of Relapse: Friesen

The Manitoba government will issue a request for proposals (RFP) to add 100 supportive recovery beds to the health-care system as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen mental health and addictions services, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.

“We are committed to improving mental health and addictions services so that Manitobans going through recovery get the support they need to successfully transition back into the community,” said Friesen.  “By adding 100 new supportive housing beds, we will give Manitobans who have completed treatment a better chance of successfully rebuilding their lives.”

Studies have shown that supportive recovery housing are successful in reducing relapse rates by providing clients with stable housing and a safe place to live when they have completed addictions treatment.  Supportive recovery housing provides rehabilitative supports to tenants while they manage the pressures of reintegrating into their families, the workforce and educational programs.

The RFP, to be posted before the end of the year, will focus on both urban and rural areas to expand system capacity.  Successful organizations will receive provincial funding to contribute to capital and operational costs, with awards being finalized in the spring.

Seven organizations currently receive provincial funding to provide supportive recovery housing for a combined 174 individuals per year.  This additional investment, to be determined via the tendering process, will address increasing demand for the service, said Friesen.

The initiative was first promised during the summer as part of the Safer Streets, Safer Lives Action Plan.  Both the VIRGO and Illicit Drug Task Force reports identified the need to add beds in urban and rural areas to help meet demand for the service.

Today’s announcement marks the 12th significant mental health and addictions initiative the Manitoba government has announced in the past seven weeks and brings the total new investment to approximately $20.6 million, the minister said.

“Today’s announcement reflects our continuing all-of-government approach to support those living with substance use and addictions issues,” said Friesen.  “We will continue to provide that help with additional and enhanced services that help Manitobans struggling with mental health and addictions with further investments in the days ahead.”

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2019/11/BG-Recovery_Housing-HL.pdf