WINNIPEG — Kristy Rebenchuk blends in with people walking on the street so she can help those living on it.
“It is about connecting and trying to break down some barriers,” said Rebenchuk, co-ordinator of Winnipeg’s Community Homeless Assistance Team.
The Downtown Biz quietly launched the initiative a few months ago after its outreach program was taken over by the Winnipeg Police Service cadets.
“So far we have seen at least five people off the street and either reconnect with their home communities or work towards a transition to healthier lives,” said Rebenchuk.
Downtown Biz Outreach patrols used to apprehend 3,500 intoxicated people per year. Instead of shuffling homeless people away, Rebenchuk tries to get them on stable ground.
“We need to manage the issue, but let’s see if we can get some resources to help that person not come back to the street corner intoxicated,” said Stefano Grande, the executive director of the Biz. “It gets that person into housing, addiction counselling; let’s find a loved one or friends to help part of that process.”
The Downtown Biz is in the process of hiring another worker by the end of summer with the ultimate goal of having around eight in total.
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