In the heart of Winnipeg, a quiet revolution in addiction recovery is taking shape. In a city deeply scarred by a drug crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, where overdose deaths and homelessness collide, an ambitious $18 million initiative by Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada is poised to transform lives and restore hope to families.
The organization recently acquired a six-story building at 83 Kate Street. Once renovated, it will become a first-of-its-kind Community Centre, offering a comprehensive continuum of recovery services under one roof. From detox to transitional housing, counselling, and job training, the facility aims to meet the growing demand for addiction recovery services in Manitoba.
“This project is about more than recovery—it’s about rebuilding lives and reuniting families,” said Daniel Emond, President and CEO of Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada. “We believe no one should be turned away when they ask for help.”
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A Crisis That Can’t Wait
The numbers tell a sobering story. In Manitoba, over 400 overdose deaths were recorded in 2021, with Winnipeg reporting a surge of fatalities. The Winnipeg Free Press reports that in the first seven months of 2024 there were 323 overdose deaths.
For each life lost, hundreds more grapple with addiction, unable to access timely treatment due to overburdened services.
Currently, wait times for detox beds can stretch weeks or months—delays that often prove fatal. Adult & Teen Challenge’s solution is clear: immediate access to a full spectrum of recovery services.
“Addiction and homelessness are deeply intertwined,” said Emond. “We see addiction as not just a personal struggle but a community challenge. The ripple effects touch families, schools, and workplaces.”
A Blueprint for Healing
The vision for the Community Centre is as ambitious as it is compassionate. The renovated building will feature:
- 20 detox treatment beds for those starting their recovery journey.
- 40 long-term recovery beds for individuals seeking sustained healing.
- 18 transitional housing units, providing 40 beds for families rebuilding their lives.
- A commercial kitchen and dining room serving up to 150 people.
- On-site counselling, job training, and parenting support programs.
“This facility will be a safe haven for individuals ready to change their lives and for families longing for reunification,” said Herb Buller, Cabinet Chair of the campaign.
Stories of Transformation
The work of Adult & Teen Challenge has already changed countless lives. Ursula, a program graduate, shares, “The chains of addiction have been broken in my life, and I’m excited about the impact that will have on my family for generations.”
Rebecca, another graduate, credits the program with restoring her relationship with her family. “We are closer than we’ve ever been,” she said.
These personal triumphs underscore the organization’s belief that long-term recovery is possible when individuals are supported with comprehensive, compassionate care.
The Call to Action
To bring this transformative vision to life, Adult & Teen Challenge has launched an $18 million fundraising campaign. The funds will be used to renovate the 83 Kate Street building and expand its programming to accommodate more individuals and families in need.
- Phase 1 Goal: $15,750,000
- Phase 2 Goal: $2,000,000
- Phase 3 Goal: $1,065,000
Donors and partners are being asked to join in this mission to create a safer, healthier Winnipeg.
“When They’re Ready, We’re Ready”
Adult & Teen Challenge’s approach stands out in its readiness to meet individuals wherever they are in their recovery journey. The organization aims to align with the Manitoba Mental Health and Addictions Strategy and Canada’s National Strategy to End Homelessness, ensuring its efforts contribute to broader societal goals.
“For many, addiction starts as a way to cope with homelessness or trauma,” Emond explained. “We want to address the root causes, not just the symptoms.”
With over half of its staff and leadership comprising former program participants, the organization brings lived experience to the forefront of its work. “We know what it takes to rebuild a life because we’ve lived it ourselves,” Emond said.
How You Can Help
Winnipeg’s addiction crisis is a call to action for the entire community. Contributions of any size can help ensure no one is turned away when they seek help.
- Donate online: Visit Adult & Teen Challenge’s website.
- Contact: Email info@teenchallenge.tc or call 888-822-9992.
- Visit: 83 Kate Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1J9.
As Emond puts it, “This isn’t just about recovery beds or counselling—it’s about giving people their lives back, restoring families, and creating a better future for our community.”