April 23, 2021
Proponents Identified to Develop Supportive Recovery Housing Units in Rural and Northern Manitoba
– – –Men Are Part of the Solution and Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region to Provide Housing Support for Those Living with Substance and Addictions Issues
Following a request for proposals, the Manitoba government has identified two organizations that will develop new supportive recovery housing units in rural and northern Manitoba, Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Minister Audrey Gordon announced today.
“Supportive recovery housing provides a stable place to live for those completing their addictions recovery and is an invaluable resource in reducing the likelihood of relapse,” said Gordon. “I’m pleased to announce today Men Are Part of the Solution Inc. and Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region Inc. will provide new supportive recovery housing options for individuals completing their recovery and transitioning into their post-treatment plans.”
In November 2019, the province issued a request for proposals to add supportive recovery housing units to the health-care system as part of continuing efforts to strengthen mental health and addiction services.
In June 2020, $2.1 million in funding was awarded to Siloam Mission, Riverwood Church Community Inc. and Tamarack Recovery Inc. to develop 70 supportive recovery housing units in Winnipeg.
Men Are Part of the Solution Inc. (MAPS) based in Thompson will provide an additional 12 units in the northern region targeted to women, while Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region Inc. will provide nine units for the Brandon region.
“The partnership with the Province of Manitoba and Men Are Part of the Solution will enable the expansion of transitional housing services for the Phoenix House facility to include supports to women to address a critical need in northern Manitoba,” said Oswald Sawh, president, MAPS. “Over the last seven years of providing transitional housing services to men, nine of every 10 of our clients have been able to successfully access long-term housing and reunification with their family and community.”
Studies show supportive recovery housing is an effective option for those in need of alcohol and drug-free housing accommodations, and improves success rates for addictions treatment.
“These supportive recovery units will provide the longer-term supports, which have been so desperately needed in order to help people recover from their addictions,” said Glen Kruck, regional manager for Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region Inc.
The new projects will provide the first supportive recovery housing units in rural and northern Manitoba.
Recommendations from the VIRGO report and the Illicit Drug Task Force reports both identify the need to add supportive recovery housing units to help meet demand for the service. The VIRGO report also identifies the Indigenous population as a priority population and includes key recommendations to increase capacity of services for women including access to transition housing. The new units are significant in increasing access to services for both of these groups. Funding will be provided through the Canada-Manitoba Home and Community Care and Mental Health and Addictions Services Funding Agreement.
The Manitoba government has previously announced 29 initiatives valued at more than $49.4 million to improve mental health and addictions services throughout the province.
“Partnering with front-line organizations across Manitoba is the best way our government can provide direct support exactly where it’s needed,” said Gordon. “We continue to create and fund services that take a whole-of-government approach to support those living with substance use and addictions issues, as per recommendations in the VIRGO and Illicit Drug Task Force reports.”
For more information on Manitoba’s mental health and addictions strategy, visit:
www.gov.mb.ca/health/mha/strategy.html.
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