MMF Celebrates Grand Opening of Fre Maachi

March 21, 2023

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) celebrates the grand opening of 670 Main Street, a 20-unit transitional Housing First program called Fre Maachi, to assist in the fight to end homelessness in Winnipeg.

The three-storey building is part of the MMF Housing department's Rapid Services program, which was established in 2021 to provide housing supports to Red River Métis Citizens at risk of or experiencing homelessness. This housing development was part of the federal government's $12.7 million Rapid Housing initiative, where it received $3.4 million from the City of Winnipeg.

Fre Maachi, which means "Fresh beginnings" in Michif, features four two-bedroom suites, as well as 16 studios, including six accessible units. The facility also includes a spiritual room,

access to computers, free Wi-Fi, fully furnished units, a welcome kit (hygiene products, cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, etc.), ID Clinic, free laundry, and more

The MMF's Rapid Services program is a wraparound service that works with several other MMF departments to support Red River Métis Citizens experiencing homelessness or unforeseen hardship. It will work as a central access point, providing Citizens with access to mental health and addiction services, employment and training, cultural programming, and other supports offered by the Red River Métis government.

"Homelessness and unsheltered Red River Métis Citizens are extremely serious issues. When people are at their lowest is when we need to be there - for their safety but also for a hand up," said Will Goodon, Minister of Housing and Property Management. "This is not the complete answer to these societal problems, but changing lives one at a time will have an impact - for them, us, and all Manitobans. If we are judged by how we treat those who cannot help us, we need to walk the walk, and be beside those who need us the most."

For more information on Fre Maachi, please contact the Rapid Services Intake Line: 204-589-1613 or email 550intake@mmf.mb.ca.

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis, the origin and core of the Métis Nation. The Manitoba Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

 

For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

 


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