|
Main Street
Project began its operations in January 1972, as a federally funded
Local Initiatives Project. It was originally conceived in response to
a request from the Winnipeg Police Commission and a number of Main Street
merchants, to complement police services in the area. Staff members
patrolled Main Street
and dealt with crisis situations largely involving intoxication and
street fighting. Victims of violence and alcohol abuse were either
transported to the hospital, taken to the Main Street Project office,
counseled, or referred to other social agencies.
From this initial
program, the Main Street Project expanded its activities to meet more
of the needs of area residents. An emergency overnight shelter was
established for intoxicated persons unable to find accommodations.
This shelter evolved to include a drop in centre for unemployed persons
who needed employment or simply a place to socialize. Eventually, the
overnight shelter and drop in centre became inadequate for the needs
of many substance users requiring non-medical detoxification and a 28
bed detox unit was established at 55 Lydia Street in September
1974. The detoxification centre was later relocated to 105 Galt Avenue
in June 1981.
In December 1982
the Main Street Project received funding approval from the Province of Manitoba and Core Area
Initiative to purchase and renovate a warehouse at 75 Martha Street. The new
facility housed crisis intervention support, emergency referral
services, a street patrol, an emergency shelter, an intoxicated
persons holding area, a sub-acute detoxification centre, and a
continuing care unit which provided case management, assessment and a
community development program.
Beginning in May
1984, the former detox centre at 105 Galt was utilized as short term,
co-ed transitional housing for people who were temporarily homeless,
difficult to house, or leaving alcohol treatment programs. As 105
Galt deteriorated over the years, the decision was made to replace
the facility. In November 1993, a 28 room residence was constructed
on the property adjacent to 75
Martha Street with subsidy assistance
from Canada Mortgage and Housing, and the Manitoba Housing Authority.
This new facility was named The Mainstay Residence, and continues to
provide primarily transitional housing.
In 1992, a new
Intoxicated Persons Detention Area, containing 20 secure units was
constructed with funding from both the City of Winnipeg
and the Province
of Manitoba.
In late 2002, a
complete renovation of the original warehouse facility was
undertaken, involving extensive work to the drop in, detoxification,
kitchen, and office areas. At that time, and in conjunction with our
30 year anniversary, a mural depicting the Main Street Project's long
history of service in this community was commissioned and is located
on the south wall of the 75
Martha Street facility.
top of page
|
