Though rain streaked down on Long Plain First Nation on Monday, the weather couldn't dampen the sense of optimism as community members gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new 40-bed transition centre, which leaders say will provide support and hope for those experiencing homelessness.
Complete with a full kitchen serving three meals a day, as well as laundry facilities and showers, the new centre provides a safe, stable place for people to rebuild their lives. Chief David Meeches says it’s more than just a building, but also an investment in the health and well-being of the community.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve been dealing with the issue of homelessness, and we have a current crisis on drugs that we declared about two years ago,” Meeches states. “The objective was to expose what’s happening in our community, and maybe have our people talk about it. It’s made a significant difference.”
The building was purchased under a previous administration when Cathy Merrick was Grand Chief of Manitoba, with Matix Lumber completing the renovations. Now fully stocked and operational, the centre is already 50 per cent full and expected to reach capacity by fall.
There’s no limit to how long residents can stay. Instead, the focus is on connecting them to supports and providing on-site programs such as Long Plain’s alcohol and drug program.
Meeches says the centre will also create jobs for cooks, service providers, and other staff. The long-term vision is to help residents transition to independent living, with plans to build single-family homes within the next few years.
“We call it the transition centre, transitioning from the current situation they find themselves in to a more productive life. We’ve made a significant investment in our people, and that’s always been the objective," he explains.
For Meeches, who has served as chief for the past two years and was previously elected in 2009, the project is the result of many people working together to combat these pressing social issues.
“I didn't do this alone. It was a lot of individuals making an effort to combat the situation we find ourselves in. I’m very grateful to be around our elders and our youth who are making a difference."
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