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This project aims to develop a community-approved methodology for conducting regular street censuses in Winnipeg, with a focus on partnering with Indigenous organizations. The goal is to increase knowledge about homelessness, provide baselines for efforts to end or reduce homelessness, and enhance partnerships with organizations serving those experiencing homelessness.
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PARTNERING WITH INDIGENOUS Organizationsfor THE WINNIPEGSTREET CENSUS2015 Bonnie Harper, Eagle Urban Transition Centre Christina Maes Nino, Social Planning Council of Winnipeg
Partners and Supporters of the Winnipeg Street Census PARTNERS: Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives of Manitoba Canadian Mental Health Association of Manitoba Eagle Urban Transition Centre Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg John Howard Society of Manitoba Lived Experience Circle Macdonald Youth Services Main Street Project Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Mount Carmel Clinic RaY (Resource Assistance for Youth) Rossbrook House Salvation Army Booth Centre Siloam Mission Social Planning Council of Winnipeg Spence Neighbourhood Association Sunshine House West Central WomensResource Centre Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council – End Homelessness Winnipeg SUPPORTERS: Amalgamated Transit Union City of Winnipeg North End Community Ambassadors Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Winnipeg Downtown BIZ Winnipeg Police Services
Objectives of the Project 1. Develop a replicable, community sanctioned methodology, based on promising practices of other Canadian jurisdictions, for conducting regular Street Censuses in Winnipeg 2. Implement the Street Census methodology in a 24-hour period and evaluate the methodology for future years 3. Increase knowledge about homelessness in Winnipeg to inform decision-making and further areas of research. Information disseminated will include particular attention to sub-populations experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg and recognition of the root causes of homelessness 4. Provide baselines of homelessness for efforts working to end or reduce homelessness in Winnipeg 5. Enhance partnerships between those who serve people experiencing homelessness, including outreach teams, emergency shelters, resource centres, Indigenous community-based organizations, and representatives from health, addictions, mental health and justice programs
Objectives of the Project 1. Develop a replicable, community sanctioned methodology, based on promising practices of other Canadian jurisdictions, for conducting regular Street Censuses in Winnipeg 2. Implement the Street Census methodology in a 24-hour period and evaluate the methodology for future years 3. Increase knowledge about homelessness in Winnipeg to inform decision-making and further areas of research. Information disseminated will include particular attention to sub-populations experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg and recognition of the root causes of homelessness 4. Provide baselines of homelessness for efforts working to end or reduce homelessness in Winnipeg 5. Enhance partnerships between those who serve people experiencing homelessness, including outreach teams, emergency shelters, resource centres, Indigenous community-based organizations, and representatives from health, addictions, mental health and justice programs
Project Structure Project Supporters Partnership Committee Project Partners Methodology and Survey Development Working Group Communications Working Group Volunteer Recruitment and Training Working Group Research Team: Coordinators of Working groups, Chair of Lived Experience Circle, Indigenous involvement coordinator
Indigenous Leadership in 2015 Street Census 1. Three Indigenous organizations full partners on consensus-based partnership committee 2. Indigenous involvement coordinator from Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre (Ma Mawi) 3. Volunteer training on Indigenous homelessness 4. Magnet events organized by Ma Mawi 5. Surveying at Indigenous organizations 6. Recruiting Indigenous volunteers (18% of volunteers identified as Indigenous) 7. Volunteer coordination (matching skills and experience on teams)
Lessons Learned 1. Indigenous organizations need to be full partners from the beginning 2. Power dynamics persist at meetings – need to change meeting style and project team 3. Leaders of Indigenous organizations are extremely busy – find ways to involve (and pay) staff 4. Communication, communication, communication 5. Be flexible and recognize the expertise in community