Something exciting is happening in southern Manitoba—and it’s all about youth feeling seen, valued, and supported.
Huddle is coming to Portage la Prairie, making it faster and easier for young people to find a wide array of youth-friendly wraparound supports—all under one caring and welcoming roof.
“Services for youth have been a long-time need in Portage la Prairie,” said Mari Kozar, Executive Director at Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC)—the community agency hosting the new youth hub.
“We have seen tremendous support from all of our partner organizations to make this initiative move forward.”
Young people will be able to walk in and make a new friend over a snack or cup of coffee. They can attend Indigenous art workshops to learn how to bead or make medicine pouches, strengthen skills like cooking, or quietly read or journal in a space that feels safe, cozy, and inclusive.
When they’re ready, youth can also access free support for mental health and substance use, housing, education, employment, and more.
“There was a lot of excitement at the hub when this announcement came through,” shared Randy, a young person from Portage la Prairie who supports the well-being of Indigenous Elders through his work at PCRC.
“We see on a daily basis how important programs like this are for youth, and this commitment of investment made our community stronger today. I am so grateful to see this happen for the youth in Portage la Prairie.”
The Huddle youth hub in Portage La Prairie will be part of the growing Integrated Youth Services (IYS) network in Manitoba, which officially launched in spring 2022.
This expansion in southern Manitoba is possible thanks to provincial and federal funding.
“Our government is committed to ensuring youth have timely access to a variety of supports in one location, making it easier to get help that’s tailored to their individual needs,” said Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith.
The youth hub will also be co-located with Youth Connect—a new model of care offered by Indigenous-led or partnered initiatives to uplift young people aging out of the child welfare system or facing housing instability.
“Youth transitioning out of care face immense challenges as they learn to navigate the systems meant to support them, and they are at risk of falling through the cracks as a result,” said Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine.
“Youth Connect is a community program that gives them the supports needed to land on their feet at this vulnerable time and build meaningful lives for themselves in their communities.”
With the goal of seeking to prevent homelessness, Youth Connect sites provide housing support, system navigation, case planning, culturally appropriate supports and advocacy.
“Meaningfully supporting young people means breaking down barriers and building more culturally safe spaces led by youth,” explains Huddle’s Executive Director, Pam Sveinson.
“At Huddle, we’re seeing what’s possible when we reimagine and transform systems to truly meet young people where they are—bringing together all the supports they need under one welcoming roof.”
Learn more about the ways Huddle is expanding—including into Northern Manitoba—here.
