Indigenous Groups Launch Urgent Safe Space for Vulnerable Women

URGENT UPDATE: A new safe space for vulnerable women in Winnipeg is set to open this weekend, addressing critical safety issues following the tragic loss of Morgan Harris. The initiative, led by Morgan’s Warriors and St. Boniface Street Links, aims to provide wraparound support services, ensuring women have a safe place to stay away from danger.

Melissa Robinson, co-founder of Morgan’s Warriors, emphasized the urgency of this space, reflecting on the horrifying circumstances surrounding her cousin’s death at the hands of a serial killer. “She utilized those spaces with the intent of being safe, and in the end she was being preyed upon,” Robinson stated. This tragic history has fueled the drive to create a secure environment for women who are often marginalized.

The temporary safe space will be located in the St. Mary’s Road building, which already houses Street Links’ stabilization hub. Women will not only find shelter but also access vital support services, including recovery programs and medical assistance. Robinson highlighted the importance of immediate action: “A year from now is far too long when I think of how many women we can house. It needs to start now.”

Street Links founder Marion Willis expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Our safe space is a very different kind of shelter — there’s no drama, nothing terrible happens there.” This initiative aims to provide a sanctuary where women can feel secure and supported, contrasting sharply with existing shelters that are often overburdened and unsafe.

The collaborative efforts will focus on identifying vulnerable women on the streets through community outreach. Morgan’s Warriors will manage the transport of these women to the safe space, ensuring continuous support and supervision. Robinson stressed the need for immediate solutions, saying, “We want to change things and we want to make a safe space for most women.”

Currently, the province has committed $3.5 million to the upcoming Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag Lodge, scheduled to open next year, which will serve as a 24/7 safe haven for Indigenous women at risk. However, until that facility is operational, this partnership is crucial to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable women in the community.

Willis noted that the success of this initiative relies on building trust with the women it serves. “If you begin to offer help, people believe that you’re really sincere, they begin to gravitate towards that help,” she said. The organization aims to prevent further tragedies by providing a supportive environment that encourages women to seek assistance.

As the opening date approaches, the community is rallying behind this vital initiative, which not only honors the memory of Morgan Harris but also aims to protect countless other women from similar fates. The urgency of this project cannot be overstated; it represents a significant step towards a safer future for vulnerable women in Winnipeg.

Stay tuned for further developments on this critical initiative as more details emerge. This new safe space could be a lifeline for many women in need.