The biggest addiction care and homeless centre in Thompson is expanding as part of a plan to increase care for those who need it most.
Construction is underway at the Wellbriety Centre, located on Princeton Drive in northern Manitoba’s largest city. A second building will soon open next to the current one, with more rooms and amenities for people and staff members, including a commercial kitchen and rooms where ceremonies can be held.
There will be 40 supportive housing units inside once it opens, in addition to the rooms in the existing building, which can house up to 100 people. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, a group representing northern Manitoba First Nations, operates the centre, in partnership with the City of Thompson and other groups. Many people going to the centre are from remote northern First Nations.
“Every time I go in here, it’s a little different, but I feel the same way. I feel hopeful, I feel excited. I feel it’s amazing to see something come to fruition,” MKO executive director Kelvin Lynxleg said.