Communities worldwide grapple with visible homelessness, drug use, and crime. Winnipeg and Southdale are no exceptions. Recently, the Southdale community had the privilege of an intimate meeting with Marion Willis, the executive director and founder of St. Boniface Street Links. During this gathering, attendees learned about the root causes of these pressing issues and gained insights into the organization’s tireless efforts over the past eight years.
A little about Street Links
Founded in 2015, Street Links operates a robust outreach service covering all of Winnipeg east of the Red River as well as Morberg House, a 12-bed transitional residence that provides a safe space for men experiencing addiction, homelessness and mental health challenges.
The people behind Street Links have a deep understanding of the issues faced by the homeless population. Their approach goes beyond housing; they build relationships and connect people to income support. Over the last 36 months, St. Boniface Street Links has housed 986 people.
Homelessness in the Southdale area
Southdale, with its proximity to the TransCanada Highway, treed areas, and the river has witnessed homeless camps and transient populations. However, it might surprise you to learn that homelessness in Southdale is not as pervasive as in some other areas. Much credit goes to Street Links’ significant outreach efforts.
Rather, our community, like so many others, is struggling with youth deviancy. Graffiti and property damage are far more likely to be caused by housed youth than unhoused adults.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Mental Health and Substance Use
The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting effects on mental health and substance use, particularly among adolescents and vulnerable populations. The resulting challenges in our post-pandemic world are mental health issues and crime.
There is no single solution to these issues, and nothing will happen quickly. Being vigilant and supporting organizations like Street Links are the best ways to reduce homelessness. The pandemic has underscored the importance of addressing mental health challenges, providing support, and implementing preventive measures for vulnerable populations, especially youth.
Street Links in Action
Street Links is very active in Southdale, conducting daily patrols and outreach. Their dedicated team operates from 8 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, with an on-call service available 24/7.
Here’s what you can do to contribute:
- Call Street Links for Help: When you see someone in the neighbourhood who looks like they need Street Links’ help, call 204-615-5557. They work closely with individuals to find lasting solutions.
- Choose Alternatives to Direct Money: Instead of giving money directly—which will often be turned into drugs, not food or other necessities—consider buying a meal or coffee for someone in need.
- Trust the Experts: Street Links’ expertise is invaluable. Avoid taking matters into your own hands; let the professionals guide the way.
- Donate: Street Links relies heavily on donations. Every contribution matters.
Contact Information
If you encounter someone in need or want to support Street Links, here are the numbers to call:
- General Support: 204-615-5557
- Direct Line to Marion Willis: 204-294-7637
- Note: Avoid reaching out on Facebook, as it is not closely monitored.
Thank you for this information and for putting the effort into having the meeting and sharing the results!
Looking forward to helping with a street patrol in the future to see if we can move the needle even just a little bit to slow down this pervasive issue of petty property theft.
Great job, folks!