New shelter in Brandon will soon open for Indigenous women, two-spirit and gender diverse people

A new shelter for Indigenous women, two-spirit and gender diverse people trying to escape violence is coming to Brandon.

The Manitoba government announced Thursday it would provide $500,000 to support the project.

“I know I don’t need to tell people that Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people face some of the highest levels of gender-based violence and, on a daily basis, in our province, navigate between them. a variety of different systems that make them unsafe, and today’s announcement is about keeping Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender diverse people safe here in Brandon,” said Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Family, responsible for women and men. gender equity.

The 24/7 secure home, which will be called Franny’s Place, will include 10 bedrooms and bathrooms, a shared kitchen, laundry room, and a living and dining room.

Those who need support can come at any time and will benefit from a variety of support while they await their placement.

“Our women, our girls, our two-spirit and gender diverse people deserve the best. They deserve to be safe. And today we are taking another tangible, concrete step to make it happen. »

The shelter works in partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC) Chronic Homelessness Action Research.

It will offer people activities from beading to woodworking and help them cope with illness or injury, disability and any mental health or safety concerns.

“Home is more than just the structure above people’s heads. Home signifies relationship, kinship, community, connection, traditions, ancestry, and belonging to one another. Shelters are rooted in the seven sacred teachings; Programming activities are based on knowledge gathered from our interviews as well as the interests and needs of the women living in the shelters. The shelters focus on increasing protective factors that improve the safety of women,” said Megan McKenzie. , principal researcher at the BNRC action research on chronic homelessness.

The money comes from the province’s new $20 million strategy that aims to help Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people.

The first person will move into the property on December 23.