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News Release - Manitoba

August 3, 2022

Manitoba Government Fulfils Commitment to Provide 100 Supportive Recovery Housing Beds

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Riverwood House Expanding Access to Counselling, Recovery Support and Safe Housing: Guillemard

With the completion of 40 new supportive recovery housing units at Riverwood House in Winnipeg, the Manitoba government has fulfilled its commitment to develop 100 safe, stable housing units in a recovery-oriented environment for individuals recovering from addictions, Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Sarah Guillemard announced today.

“Recovery from addiction is a complex experience that requires different types of support,” said Guillemard, who toured Riverwood House today. “Sometimes, supportive temporary housing is needed to help people move forward on their recovery journeys. I am grateful to see the completion of Riverwood House. Compassionate care and opportunities for healing await every person who steps through its doors.”

The overall investment in the 40 housing units from the Department of Mental Health and Community Wellness is $3.45 million to date.

“We are thrilled to join with the many other incredible projects and organizations working to support those in recovery and together addressing the fundamental need for safe housing solutions as a critical part of their courageous journey,” said Jon Courtney, project lead, Riverwood House. “We are so grateful for the investments that have been made to help create these important new spaces and recognize the very real need to continue striving for creative solutions within our city and province in supporting those in recovery.”

Supportive recovery housing provides accommodation for six months to two years. Activities focus on coaching for daily living as individuals make the transition back to community life.

Residents are provided with a self-contained apartment or a bedroom with shared living and kitchen spaces along with support including:

  • basic counselling and case management;
  • service navigation and referrals to community resources;
  • development of daily life skills to attain greater stability and independence; and
  • help to acquire skills for gaining employment or education, or for contributing to the community.

Community partners that have contributed to the 100 supportive recovery housing units developed in Manitoba since 2020 include:

  • Riverwood Church Community Inc. (40 units at Riverwood House in Winnipeg);
  • Siloam Mission (20 units in Winnipeg);
  • Tamarack Recovery Centre Inc. in Winnipeg (10 units);
  • Men Are Part of the Solution Inc. in Thompson (12 units for women);
  • Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region Inc. in Brandon (nine units); and
  • Westman Youth for Christ in Brandon (nine units).

Recommendations from the VIRGO report and from the Illicit Drug Task Force report identified a need to add supportive recovery housing units to help meet the demand for these services and to provide housing to enable successful transitions back into the community.

The VIRGO report also prioritized services for Indigenous people and recommended increasing the capacity of services for women including access to transitional housing. Guillemard noted the new units are significant in increasing access to services for both of these groups.

For more information on Manitoba’s mental health and addictions strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/mh/mh/strategy.html.

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