Harm Reduction Resources
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Street Connections
204−981−0742
Drug Checking/Testing: “The service is run by trained staff. Service users will receive test results as part of a harm reduction conversation. We use an FTIR spectrometer (a type of machine used to look into different substances) to test a small sample of the drugs (the size of half a match head). Samples used with this equipment are returned to the service user.”
Mobile Van Route, Dates, Times: https://streetconnections.ca/van-information
Naloxone/Narcan Information: https://streetconnections.ca/naloxone
Safe Drug Use Supply Location Database: https://streetconnections.ca/locations
“Our goal is to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), including hepatitis C and HIV, and reduce other drug-related harms. We are part of Healthy Sexuality and Harm Reduction in the Winnipeg Health Authority’s (WRHA) Population and Public Health Program. Public health nurses and outreach workers staff our van. We drive around the city every evening except Sunday. You can also find us during the day from Monday to Friday in our office on the main floor of 496 Hargrave St. We follow a harm reduction philosophy. This means that we support people who use drugs in their efforts to keep themselves and their community safe. We do not judge people for their sexual and drug use practices. The office located on the main floor at 496 Hargrave is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 – 4:30.”
West End Women’s Resource Centre (WEWRC)
Drop-in at the centre 640 Ellice Ave: https://wcwrc.ca/dropin/
(204) 774-8975
Mobile unit/Street outreach: https://wcwrc.ca/street-outreach/
204-396-4260
*Harm reduction supplies available
“WCWRC empowers women and gender diverse people, and their community, to move
from where they are to where they want to be, by providing responsive programming,
facilitating knowledge sharing and connection, and contributing to culture shift and policy transformation.We work toward achieving our vision using a Person-Centred Approach, informed by the lived experience of the women and gender-diverse people in our community.”
Nine Circles - “The Pit Stop”
https://ninecircles.ca/programs-services/harm-reduction-services/
204-940-6000
Access The Pit Stop during open hours at the main reception desk. Anyone is welcome to “refill and refuel” for 10-15 minutes before heading out. Snacks and supplies available.
“The Pit Stop at Nine Circles is a low barrier, non-judgmental environment focused on harm reduction supply distribution and HIV prevention. It is for people who use substances, are unsheltered and who otherwise experience inequitable healthcare access. At Nine Circles, we offer these free services to anyone who needs them, including:
Distribution of safer drug use supplies (including safer injection and safer crack use kits)
Access to safer sex supplies and take home HIV INSTI self-tests
Access to free take-home-naloxone for anyone at risk of an opioid overdose and training on how to use naloxone
Practical supports to reduce harm and transmission of STBBIs
Access to hygiene and menstrual items, footwear, wound care kits, food and beverages and seasonal items like toques, hats and baseball caps (supplies availability subject to change)”
“Nine Circles operates from a harm reduction approach, empowering you to make informed choices based on accurate information and a range of options without judgement. Harm reduction refers to evidence-based research, policies, programmes and practices that aim to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts associated with the stigma and criminalization of activities related to sex and substance use.”
Main Street Project - Van Patrol Outreach Program
https://www.mainstreetproject.ca/programs-and-services/van-patrol-outreach-program/
204-232-5217
“Main Street Project’s Mobile Outreach program serves Winnipeggers living unsheltered throughout the city. Ours is the only Mobile Outreach team that operates city-wide 24/7, 365 days a year. Our services include providing basic necessities like food, water, harm reduction supplies, safe transport, immediate life-safety support, case management and permanent successful housing support.”
**Please note: This program does work in tandem with the Winnipeg Police in some instances: “In keeping with our collective plan, the Kíkininaw Óma Strategy, we work in partnership with the plan’s original collaborators, including the City of Winnipeg, and respond to referrals from WFPS, WPS, and 311/211.”
Manitoba Harm Reduction Network (MHRN)
204-783-6184
“We believe that harm reduction, equitable access and safer service delivery are important parts of supporting communities.The Manitoba Harm Reduction Network works toward equitable access, systemic change, and reducing the transmission sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) through advocacy, policy work, education, research and relationships. We do this by administrating regional harm reduction networks that provide services, education, advocacy and events that are relevant to their specific communities. We could be described as a network of networks!”
Sunshine House
https://www.sunshinehousewpg.org/
“Sunshine House is a community drop-in and resource centre focusing on harm reduction and social inclusion. We work to provide programming that fulfills people’s social, community, and recreational needs. Participants can come as they are, and are not expected to be “clean” or sober.”
Sunshine House - Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS)
https://www.sunshinehousewpg.org/mops
The MOPS fixed location is the parking lot of 631 Main Street, Wednesday-Sunday from 12pm-5pm.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, MOPS is mobile around central Winnipeg in the evenings, from 6:30-9:30pm.
“MOPS (Mobile Overdose Prevention Site) is a place where people can access information on harm reduction, get referrals and can use drugs in a safe, warm space where they are supervised by staff who are trained in overdose response. What can people get at MOPS? Harm reduction supplies, Narcan / naloxone, A cup of coffee or water, Maybe a snack!, Staff are available to chat about your needs and can help with referrals to other resource centres. What can people do at MOPS? Folks are welcome to come by and chat with staff! Because we have limited space, we ask everyone to be mindful of the amount of time they spend. People are welcome to come into the vehicle to inject or snort drugs. Those who are smoking drugs can use the inhalation tent.”
Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre:
215-181 Higgins Avenue
204-925-3700
“Established in 1994, AHWC is a non-profit organization, and Manitoba’s only Urban-Indigenous Community Health Agency. AHWC is an agent of change and a leader in the holistic way it approaches the health and wellbeing of the Community Member who uses its services, as well the staff who run these. Our mission, vision, and values describe a deep commitment to blending and balancing traditional and contemporary ways of knowing and learning. The work is unique, challenging, and rewarding.”
Mobile Healthcare & Wellness Clinic:
https://ahwc.ca/mobilehealthcareclinic/
204-930-7552
*Harm reduction supplies available
“The Mobile Healthcare and Wellness Clinic offers a multi-disciplinary healthcare team aiming to serve individuals experiencing inequitable access to healthcare provision. Many individuals who experience homelessness or live in extreme poverty face multiple systemic barriers that hinder their ability to address their healthcare needs. As a result, many people suffer with a declining of their overall health putting them even more at a disadvantage to living a quality of life they deserve. The Mobile Healthcare and Wellness team travels to encampments, shelters, and bridges where the need is greatest, offering immediate and ongoing primary care prevention, treatment, and counselling. A key function includes assisting individuals to navigate the broader community system of care to access services.”