A new 24-7 safe space for Indigenous women, as well as two-spirit and gender-diverse people at risk of harm will come to Brandon, the provincial government announced today.
In a release, the province said they were dedicating $500,000 to the new space. It will be on 10th Street, and will offer 24-7 drop-in and outreach services.
“This new safe house will mean more beds and more space for Indigenous women, two-spirit or gender-diverse people who are unsheltered and at risk of harm who need help to stabilize their lives,” said Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine. “It will provide the safety, security and peace needed to help them on their path of healing and recovery.”
The new 10th Street Safe House – also know as Franny’s Place – will include 10 bedrooms, bathrooms, a shared kitchen, laundry facilities and a living room and dining area. It will also include space for activities such as beading, cooking, baking, painting, growing plants, playing bingo and woodworking.
“In partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) and the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation’s Action Research on Chronic Homelessness,” the province wrote in their release, “these safe houses provide increased prevention and protection for Indigenous women, two-spirit and gender-diverse people including those with illness or injury, physical or intellectual disability, cognitive impairment or brain injury, substance use/addiction, mental health concerns or acute safety concerns, such as domestic violence, human trafficking, court-mandated safety orders, recent assaults, death threat or other imminent risk of harm.”
The release also stated the site will be staffed 24-hours a day to provide Indigenous culturally based security, support and mentorship
