Will giving free apartments to the homeless relieve the problem? The federal government is spending $110 million dollars to help the homeless in five projects across Canada including here in Winnipeg. Some 300 homeless people, mainly aboriginal, will be offered free apartments. They must agree to meet a social services team at least once a week. Our guests at 9.10 include Jino Distasio, Director of the Instutite of Urban Studies at the University of Manitoba and Lucille Bruce, Aboriginal Consultant with the Mental Health Commission Winnipeg Project.

SUGGESTED READING: Million Dollar Murray written by Malcolm Gladwel for the New Yorker.
After 11:  Pillows for Troops, a conversation with John Lopes on the campaign to give every Canadian serving in Afghanistan a pillow and Author  Adria Vasil Ecoholic Home.

Profiles of people and programs making a difference in our city

Carson, 18, is learning a trade. He works for BUILD  – a community based organization helping young Manitobans gain experience in construction. “I was lucky, I didn’t get a beat down,” said Carson about getting out of the gang. “All my uncles are still in it.” BUILD – Building Urban Industries for Local Development – employs mainly aboriginal youth to renovate inner-city houses and Manitoba Housing complexes. Participants are also enrolled in parenting and financial courses, even driving lessons. Carson was a car thief. He is paying Manitoba Public Insurance restitution for his crimes through payroll deduction. He will be able to gain a driver’s license legally through the program.  Please listen to the audio profile by clicking on the icon.
Brianna, 14, participates in an equine therapy program run by Pembina Trials School Division. It connects middle school ...