The province has rolled out the first batch of funding under a new program that aims to fight the root causes of crime.
The “From the Ground Up — Safe Healthy Communities for All” program, which was announced in April, promised to spend $12.5 million to revitalize high-needs neighbourhoods with poverty and crime reduction efforts.
“This program is an important pillar in the fight against crime and poverty and in our approach to being tough on crime and the root causes of crime,” Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie said at a news conference in Winnipeg Friday.
He announced $50,000 will be given to the Marlene Street Community Resource Centre in St. Vital for a project to help youth in Manitoba Housing developments gain job skills.
“We’re a low-barrier centre where everyone is welcomed and valued,” executive director Margaret Pratt said.
She said 60 per cent of their clients are single-parent families, close to 30 per cent are Indigenous and 30 per cent are newcomers to Canada.
“While we all have different cultures, and different life experiences that shape who are, one thing is clear, we all deserve love, respect and opportunity,” Pratt said.
Bushie announced $50,000 has been allocated to the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre in Portage la Prairie to expand its support for youth to build resilience and help more achieve success in their personal and professional lives.
“We’ve noticed over the past few years, at least, that there was a significant gap in the programming that we’re providing, specifically for youth,” said Cathy Dowd, executive director of the Portage centre. “There was a significant barrier for many youth that were vulnerable and marginalized that needed extra support to be able to achieve their goals,” Dowd said at the news conference.
“This funding announcement is greatly welcomed by us,” she said.
The projects are just two of the 200 projects to receive funding, Bushie said, noting that other applicants would be notified in the coming days.
Funding is available to non-profit organizations, northern affairs community councils and municipalities through three streams: community renewal initiatives, community spaces and healthy, safe, connected children and youth.
From the Ground Up will also spend up to $800,000 to boost recreation opportunities for youth in high-needs areas in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson, with more information provided in the coming months, the province said.
Carol Sanders
Legislature reporter
Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol.
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