GILLINGHAM: MORE 24/7 SAFE SPACE FOR HOMELESS & AT-RISK
(Winnipeg) – Homelessness, addiction, human trafficking and domestic violence are critical
challenges in the effort to make Winnipeg a safer, stronger city. As the first step in a multiphase plan to address them, mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham is pledging to support more
safe and secure spaces for homeless and at-risk people through non-profit partnerships.
To achieve this, Gillingham would extend the City’s investment in Winnipeg’s 24/7 Safe Space
Grant - which is already making significant impacts in the West End – and then expand the
grant to allow for a new and much needed presence in the North End.
The Winnipeg 24/7 Safe Space Grant was created in 2020 on the recommendation of the 2019
Illicit Drug Task Force. The program already funds Ka Ni Kanichihk’s ‘Velma’s House’ facility
for at-risk Indigenous women, and a 24/7 drop-in site for homeless people in the West End.
Since its creation, this grant has funded over 30,000 shelter visits, 36,000 meals and helped
close to a hundred people find permanent housing or shelter via the West End (“WE24”) site.
To strengthen the grant so it can provide more safe shelter, Gillingham would:
• Add enough funding to support one more 24/7 Safe Space targeting the North End;
• Gradually increase funds for the two existing sites to improve service capacity; and
• Extend the existing grants to 2026 (funding stops in 2023 under current plans).
“Across North America, homeless people are gathering in transit stops and open-air
encampments, turning away from crowded shelters,” Gillingham said. “Offering alternative,
off-street safe spaces is only a temporary solution – but these spaces can save lives, reduce
suffering and prevent crime by giving at-risk people a place to escape attack or exploitation.”
Gillingham noted that social challenges are usually a provincial responsibility. “But if the City
shows more leadership, we can unite other partners to make our streets safer for everyone.”
Dodie Jordaan, Executive Director of Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc thanked “the voices of the women
with lived and living experiences, and all organizations who have worked for years to see
Velma’s House become a reality,” adding that “investments into increased long-term funding
for Velma’s House will allow us to be open for a full 24/7 and continue to offer a safe nonjudgemental space with wrap around services.”
“Velma’s House has proven that we save lives and give hope and opportunities for our
Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ relatives,” Jordaan said. “This also addresses several
MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice and ensures Indigenous led organizations are leading the services
that will have the greatest impact. This investment is not only the right thing to do but will
also have meaningful impact for future generations.”
A backgrounder is attached.
Contact: Luc Lewandoski: (204)223-6713 / media@voteforscott.ca
BACKGROUND
EXTENDING/EXPANDING 24/7 SAFE SPACES FOR AT-RISK WINNIPEGGERS
What is the expected impact of Scott Gillingham’s commitments?
• More homeless and at-risk people can come off the streets into temporary shelter.
• More homeless and at-risk people will be kept safe from attack and exploitation.
• Government and non-profits will have another path to connect at-risk people with additional help
Where did the 24/7 Safe Space Grant program come from?
In 2019, the Illicit Drug Task Force recommended support for alternative 24/7 shelter options. In 2020, on the
initiative of Councillor Sherri Rollins, City Council funded the 24/7 Safe Space grant in its multi-year budget plan,
with the support of then-Finance Chair Scott Gillingham.
Where does existing funding go now?
In 2020, City Council agreed to fund $250,000 worth of grants annually until year-end 2023. Two proposals were
accepted. The program currently funds safe space sites at:
• Velma’s House, operated by Ka Ni Kanichihk as a safe house for at-risk Indigenous women, and
• The WE24 West End site for the homeless run by the Spence Neighbourhood Association.
Is the existing program effective?
City reports confirm that WE24 drew 20,000 site visits from homeless people last year, while staff at those sites
connected more than 40 people each year to permanent housing. Velma’s House hosted several hundred visits
from at-risk indigenous women in peak months. However, capacity has not been sufficient to offer full 24/7
service year-round at either location. Funding in Gillingham’s plan would help address this over time.
Why expand the program to allow for a third site in the North End?
• While more traditional shelter spaces and longer-term permanent supportive housing is also needed,
these programs are a cost-efficient way to grow monitored shelter capacity rapidly.
• Increased capacity will help to attract more homeless and at-risk people off the street into a sheltered
space where they can be safer from exploitation, attack or exposure.
What is the projected incremental budget impact?
Gillingham’s proposal would also roll over the $250k in base funding from 2024 through to 2026.
2023 2024 2025 2026 Total 4yr
Operating Expense +150,000 +150,000 +175,000 +$175,000 $650,000
Community Rent Credit* $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $200,000
Capital 0 0 0 0 0
Scott Gillingham has committed to fund all new commitments before early voting begins on October 3.
What is the Community Rent Credit referred to above?
The Gillingham campaign will have further information on this program shortly in a separate announcement
