Welcome to my personal page!
Over the next few months, I will be fundraising on behalf of Shawenim Abinoojii Inc. as we strive to building housing for our Indigenous youth in and from care.
Did you know Stats Canada data shows that 57% of youth 15-30 years old live with a parent? Youth from CFS care are expected to live independently by 21 years of age. Our youth from care deserve more supports!
In January of 2021, SAI purchased an abandoned apartment block at 126/140 Alfred Avenue, in the North Point Douglas community in Winnipeg. Construction began in April 2021. Our vision is to revitalize this apartment to become affordable housing for youth and young adults, including young families impacted by the Child Welfare System. We hope to reinvigorate this beautiful property while providing a critical resource for our young people.
Through this opportunity, SAI will be able to offer Indigenous-owned and operated housing of up to 18 apartments to youth and young adults in and from care. In addition to housing, this site will offer a range of employment transition supports, available to tenants as well as to program participants living in the community such as:
- group life skills
- cultural programming
- employment programming
- a teaching kitchen
- individualized supports
- and basic needs resources (such as showers, free laundry, food, etc.
Of the 11,000 children in care in Manitoba, approximately 90% of them are Indigenous. In the WPG 2018 Street Census, 1,519 people were identified as experiencing homelessness; 455 of those identified were youth. Of those surveyed, 65.9% were Indigenous and 51.5% had formerly been in CFS care. It is believed those numbers are an underestimate! Through our daily work, we know that many youth exiting care, young parents, and those coming to Winnipeg from their community face barriers to finding safe, affordable and supportive housing. This has contributed to an overrepresentation of Indigenous youth from care experiencing homelessness in the city of Winnipeg.
Wish to donate by cheque? Cheques should be made payable to Hockey Helps the Homeless and mailed to Head Office at 44 East Beaver Creek, Unit #4, Richmond Hill Ontario, L4B 1G8. Please specify player (my name) in the memo line. Tax receipts will be issued upon receipt of the donation for all gifts $25 and above.
Those wanting to donate directly to Shawenim Abinoojii Inc. can mail or drop off a cheque to 1386 Main Street. Note that in order to be eligible for a tax receipt, donations should be made through HHTH.
Miigwetch (Thank you)!
