The Manitoba government says it is reopening the community center at Winnipeg's Millennium Library and giving it a new direction.
The former home of the Community Connections program is now open as the Downtown Resource Corner and is intended to take advantage of some of the programs that its predecessor offered.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced the new project on Friday and said it will employ provincial staff, including specialists trained in employment and income support, as well as two psychiatrists and a public health nurse.
The site will also include services such as photocopying and a toll-free public telephone, as well as access to community services that can help with a variety of issues, including identification and housing.
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“We're taking action to make downtown Winnipeg safer by providing support where it's needed most,” Wiebe said.
“The Downtown Resource Corner helps reduce calls to police and emergency services by providing people with early and effective mental health and social support.”
The Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) is also offering services at the corner, which will be open 20 hours a week. The DSCP staff includes health and safety representatives, at least one community outreach specialist, and access to other groups as needed, including the Indigenous Women's Support Group.
“This allows us to provide ongoing resource support and navigation to members of our community in need and help them where and when they need it,” said DCSP Director Greg Burnett.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to create this space.”
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