New units coming to help Winnipeg's homeless population self-isolate, slow coronavirus spread

The province of Manitoba says it is adding 142more beds at shelters in the provinceto help those experiencing homelessnessfollow physicaldistancing protocols, in the hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

That includes 31beds that will beavailable immediately in a vacant Manitoba Housing apartment located on Sargent Avenue, the province announced Friday.

The 31 beds will be available to those whoneed to self-isolate while waiting for test results, or if they've already tested positive for COVID-19.

The retrofitted building will be managed byMain Street Project, with funding coming from the province.

Rick Lees, the executive director of Main Street Project,says the pandemic has shown that carringfor Winnipeg's most vulnerable will benefitthe wider community as a whole.

"Personally, I think as a society, it's an obligation to look after vulnerable people. But if that's not how you think, you should do it because it's the right thing to do for everyone," Leessaid.

The facility will have 24-hour support for those who are self-isolating, includinga team ofnurses, physicians, withdrawal management supportand staff.

Lees says the location will be fully retrofitted bynext week, but for now the Main Street Project is still looking for donations of furnishings for the new quarantine space.

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman said on Tuesday he was in discussion with all levels of government about the quarantine facility.

He said the isolation centreis one of city council's top priorities during the pandemic.

$1.2 million for more shelter beds

The Sargent Avenue facility is part of a $1.2-million commitment announcedby the provincial government Friday to expand the number of beds in shelters.

Another 61 beds will be added to the Salvation Army, including 35 beds to their Martha Street location.Some Salvation Army residents will be moved from the agency'sSonRise Village on Henry Avenueto an alternative location, freeing up 26 beds therefor Winnipeg's homeless.

The money will also provide SiloamMission with the ability to add50 more beds to its shelter.

"While many of us have the capacity to shelter at home, the reality is some of us do not," the government statedin a press release this morning.

"Through our Manitoba Protection Plan, our government will ensure people who don't have a stable home have a place to stay safe and healthy as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic together."

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Other isolation facilities in the works

Earlier this week, the provincial government put out a request for proposals from the hospitality industry for vacant spaces like hotels, inns, modular housing and motels, that can be used by people who require isolation.

Lanette Siragusa, the chief nursing officer for Shared Health, said on Wednesday that the hotels could be used by those who are homeless.

End Homelessness Winnipeg also saidthat the hotels are being consideredasisolation units for youth who are experiencing homelessness.

Other spaces are being reviewedas possible isolation units, like the third floor of the Salvation Army's shelter, which is currently used ashousing forfamilies.

Those families could be asked to move into hotels or other locations.

As of Friday, there were182 reported cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba.