Working closely with our partners in this sector, Main Street Project has opened 39 isolation suites so that individuals experiencing homelessness have a safe space to self-isolate while waiting for a COVID-19 test result or to recover from COVID-19. The space is very specific to the shelter system and serves only individuals experiencing homelessness who would otherwise have very limited ability to isolate. Individuals are referred to the facility through the healthcare system.
The building is located in the downtown area and has been operational since April 10, 2020. Services available onsite or that can be arranged onsite include primary health care, mental health supports, addiction support, substance withdrawal management and activities of daily living as well as medication management, food/hygiene and solo leisure activities. Upon entering isolation, individuals are assigned a caseworker that will assist with other services such as primary housing or other referral when they are safely discharged.
Thank you to Virgin Radio Winnipeg and the Ace Burpee Show, Dufresne Furniture, Palliser Furniture, EQ3, and Ikea Canada for helping us furnish all 39 isolation suites. Thank you to Shortline Moving Solutions for helping us to move this furniture. Thank you to Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg for helping us to purchase laundry machines and tablets for the rooms. Thank you to Merv and Lynda Gunter for helping us to purchase TVs for the rooms. Special thank you to the family of Bernice Burko for donating handmade blankets to the isolation
suites.
