The Spence Neighbourhood Association will be receiving provincial funding to expand their WE24 program in to a full-time community drop-in space.
WE24 has been operating out of the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre on Langside Street from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am on Fridays, Saturdays and school holidays but with the new $300,000.00 annual funding it will now operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
“By having drop-in space options 24 hours a day, seven days a week, those experiencing mental health issues or addiction will have access to resources and staff who create a safe, warm and welcoming space,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen . “Closing the gap and offering around the clock hours will decrease unnecessary emergency department visits and lead to better outcomes.”
The 24 hour space will enable people with mental health and addictions issues the ability to connect with resources and support workers. The funding will allow the program to team up with 1 Just City to extend its community drop-in hours at Just a Warm Sleep and also increase operating hours for one of its drop-in lunch spaces.
“The Spence Neighbourhood Association has been offering a safe space for youth and young adults for many years, and the ability to operate daily will provide a consistent option for support, particularly overnight when there are limited options available,” said Sharon Kuropatwa, regional director housing, supports and service integration, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.Additional community drop-in hours will be subcontracted to 1 Just City at its pop-up warming centre. Its hours will expand to 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. in January to March 2021 and November 2021 to March 2022. An expansion of its weekday drop-in lunch programs will now include weekend lunches from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at one of its three locations – West Broadway Community Services, St. Matthews Maryland Community Ministry or Oak Table Inc.
The province will be providing an initial investment of $262,500 to launch the program.
© News4.ca 2020
