Fair raises the bar for Winnipeg homeless

WINNIPEG – For the first time, Winnipeg volunteers were hoping to raise the bar for the homeless with a services fair.

Local businesses and social service agencies worked together at the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg to provide essential support for the community under one roof Sunday.

Everything from housing information to health care resources to resume building were available on site.

“For the homeless community, it can be intimidating to find those supports and services,” said Jason Syvixay of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “We’re taking people by the hand and showing them this is where you can get these services.”

Hundreds of guests at the fair received comfort kits full of toiletries, thermal underwear, mitts and more. Challenges, efforts and strategies to overcome homelessness were discussed all afternoon.

“I wish they could do this more often,” said Joseph Sevright, one of the guests at the fair. “The clothes and food were great.”