Réseau Compassion Network carries on the legacy of women religious in health and social services in Manitoba through our network members, which number 13, and their foundations. We also proudly carry the legacy of staying attuned to our communities and helping in areas where we can, and when we are called to do so.
Right now, we are being called to pay attention those living unhoused in our city. Not as experts in the sector, but as partners and allies to those who are invested in this work and deeply connected to our communities. We believe that there are solutions that would honour the dignity and agency of those facing challenges around housing, and we are committed to learning how best our gifts and skillset can be used to further those solutions.
“These are really challenging, complex issues that no one entity will resolve on its own,” shares Réseau Compassion Network CEO, Daniel Lussier. “We’re trying to understand what role we might have to play. We’re trying to understand the barriers to change and how we can uplift the voices of those who understand what needs to be done to support folks who are living unhoused.”
This journey to understanding involves research, education and relationships. This fall, Réseau Compassion Network was present at a two-days conference hosted by the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg, where community and business leaders came together to explore how they can support the unhoused population. There was also a conference in Pittsburgh called Putting Care at the Centre, which explored person-centred ways to support those experiencing homelessness. Finally, the End Homelessness Conference, which pulls together stakeholders from across Winnipeg, will be held in December, and Réseau Compassion Network will be present as a delegate, as well as a sponsor.
The most recent point-in-time census of those living unsheltered in Winnipeg was conducted in 2022. That count identified at least 1,256 people experiencing homelessness. This includes those in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and those identified through street outreach. Those working in the sector understand that this is a reference point and not an exact count; they believe the true numbers are much higher, as it is difficult to collect accurate numbers given the challenges faced by those living unhoused.
“There are places like Siloam Mission and Main Street Project already doing incredible work and filling so many needs, which means we can turn our attention to other ways of contributing,” continues Lussier. “We are working with the Equal Housing Initiative to create a safer and more comfortable space for those living at the McLaren Hotel in downtown Winnipeg, and where Sara Riel is offering wrap-around supports. We’ve also joined a real estate investment trust (REIT) working group to see how economic investment might play a role in alleviating homelessness.”
Staff of Réseau Compassion Network and our members are working every day to meet the needs of those in our communities, from agencies who are offering food banks and clothing donations, to those working alongside government and on committees to co-create broader policy changes.
“As an organisation, we’re asking ourselves how we skillfully find ways to be supportive, but not get in the way?” concludes Lussier. “We believe in the power of community coming together to make change, and we are honoured to have been invited in to be a part of the group looking to alleviate homelessness for all Manitobans.”