Claudemier Bighetty, a Winnipeg outreach worker and self-described “sober influencer,” is using his personal story of addiction, homelessness and recovery to advocate for new approaches to addressing homelessness. Once living under bridges and in parkades while struggling with fentanyl addiction, Bighetty has been sober since October 2023, with his partner following months later. He now documents his journey online and works with St. Boniface Street Links to support people still living rough.
Drawing on his lived experience and intergenerational trauma linked to residential schools and the child welfare system, Bighetty is calling for a managed encampment site in Winnipeg. He envisions a sanctioned location with basic services such as electricity, sanitation and outreach supports that would function as a triage point to connect people to housing, not a permanent settlement. The idea was presented to city council in November, and Winnipeg has since agreed to explore a pilot project.
The proposal comes as the city enforces new encampment restrictions and clears tent sites, a move critics say scatters people without guaranteeing housing. While the province says it has housed more than 130 people from encampments, advocates argue progress is too slow and housing supply remains limited. National experts stress that any managed encampment must prioritize safety, dignity and a clear pathway to permanent housing.
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