Program Overview

Velma’s House, led by Ka Ni Kanichihk and supported by community, is a place of safety, comfort and connection for women aged 18 and older, who are in need of immediate safety.

We wish to thank the community organizations and individuals who have contributed to the opening and ongoing success of Velma’s House. These include: Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, West Central Women’s Resource Centre, Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, The Manitoba MMIWG2S+ Coalition of Families, The Lived Experience Advisory Committee, Wahbung Abinoonjiag, Ma Mawi Chi Itata Centre, Indigenous Women’s Healing Centre, as well as community advocates with lived and living experience.

To promote gender safety and equity in the space, we prioritize women and gender-diverse folks who are often targets of gender-based violence. Cisgender men who are in need of safety will be referred to a more appropriate service provider. 

The space was named by community in honour of Elder Velma Orvis, who worked closely with the community until her passing into the spirit world in 2020. It is our hope that the space embodies the unconditional love which Velma showed to everyone she met.

Velma’s House is a low-barrier space, and all community members are asked to follow safety agreements while in the space. While Velma’s House does not offer housing of any type, guests may visit as often as they like. The duration of each visit is determined upon arrival, and is dependent on needs. Folks who are in need of prompt or urgent medical care, or who display violence in or around the building will be referred to a more appropriate service.

Mission Statement

We exist to honour our relatives who are unsheltered, experiencing exploitation or violence, and support them in creating safe, healthy lives. We provide a nurturing 24/7 safe space led by survivors, where women can access basic needs, resources, compassion, and connection to culture.

Values
Seven project values were created by Velma’s House Lived Experience Advisory Committee, along with staff, to guide and inform the actions, decisions, planning, and relationships at Velma’s House.

Belonging
We know a sense of belonging and connection is important. We will provide an environment where people can feel safe to be who they are, feel welcome, and have a sense of belonging.

Self-Determination
We will meet participants on their own terms, supporting the goals they identify. We will support shifts to safer and healthier lives if and when participants choose to make those shifts.

Safety
We will work to create a safe, non-judgmental environment. This includes creating space for different emotions, validating people’s experiences, and ensuring people feel safe to ask for what they need.

Relationships
We see value in each other (participants, staff, and partners). We will support each other and communicate in ways that promote safety and good relationships.

Survivor-led
We honour and are guided by the knowledge, skills, and experience of survivors. When survivors share their stories and experiences, they build trust and connection, create hope, and illuminate options. Their knowledge, skills, and experience are invaluable.

Be present with and for each other
Out of respect and care for each other, we will strive to be fully present, giving our full attention to the space and one another.

Culture
Being grounded in Indigenous cultures (including Indigenous Ways of Knowing and cultural practices) is critical to our work. We see culture as both a way of informing who we are and what we do and as a vehicle for healing and connection.

Services Provided

Guests of Velma’s House can access:

  • Traditional medicines, Elders, ceremony, and cultural ways of healing
  • Nutritious meals, water, tea, coffee, and juice
  • A safe place to rest, warm up or cool down
  • Hygiene and harm reduction supplies
  • Laundry, washroom, and shower facilities
  • Companionship & Company
  • Emergency clothing
  • In-house healthcare provided by Indigenous physicians and nurses
  • Referrals to EIA, housing, mental health, and substance use support programs, etc.

Location and Hours

Velma’s House is currently located at 566 Bannatyne Ave. Services are provided on a drop-in basis. Entry to the space is located off of Kate Street at the blue fence door. Please call ahead if you have any inquiries.

Velma’s House strives to be a continually open 24/7 safe space for community members to share a meal, have a rest, and find resources.

If you would like to be a part of our team, you can apply for part-time/casual or full-time positions within Velma’s House here.

We will gratefully accept the following items:

  • Gently used clothing (all genders)
  • Bras, socks, and underwear (new, please)
  • Unopened hygiene supplies (small bottles of shampoo, soaps, lotions, toothpaste, floss, toothbrushes, cosmetics)
  • Rain ponchos
  • Gently used footwear
  • Incontinence supplies

Please call ahead before donating other items. 

For more information, please contact:

Main Line:  204-560-7424

Stay up to date with Velma’s House community events, activities, and programming by following our Facebook page. 

Funding and Donations

This project has received funding from the City of Winnipeg, End Homelessness Winnipeg, the Government of Canada, United Way, Women and Gender Equality Canada, the Province of Manitoba, TD Bank, Canadian Women’s Foundation, community donors, and True North Sports & Entertainment.

Donations are accepted at the main door, on Wednesdays from 10 AM to 2 PM (please call ahead if possible).