St. Boniface Street Links was founded in 2009, following the inspiring heroic act of Faron Hall; a gentleman that found himself homeless and struggling with addiction, when he rescued a young man from the strong currents of the Red River. It seemed that Faron Hall and the young man he rescued had one thing in common; they both lived homeless. A close relationship was soon established between Faron and Marion Willis, the founder of St. Boniface Street Links.
Over a period of two years, Faron would facilitate introductions to those who lived under the bridges, along the riverbanks, in stairwells and in the green spaces of St. Boniface. Step by step, we came to know the most intimate details of many of those lives. We were interested in what exactly had rendered these individuals homeless. Was it circumstance, a choice or both? We were interested in hearing their own perspectives on “help”. We wanted to know what kinds of challenges they face each day spent on the street. Our group of informants were engaging and shared openly both the challenges they face, as well as the hope they have for the future. Conversations would often come back to the idea of “need” – need for housing that doesn’t require a damage deposit, need to secure personal identification documents required to access income assistance, easier access to addictions treatment programs, access to a facility offering washrooms, showers and laundry, and access to a phone to call for help when help is needed.
As those discussions provided us with the bases for our current missions and values, we want to work with community groups to understand and reduce poverty, eliminate homelessness and promote crime prevention through social development as community building practice. With the help of others inside our community, we can provide help to those who need it most.
It is not our intention to duplicate the missions of existing programs designed to address these issues. Instead, St. Boniface Street Links works with individuals to understand needs and plan to address those needs through programs that are already available. We are in essence, the “coordinating hub” working directly with individuals to navigate programs and services to ensure there is an outcome – we are the case managers.
Our strong supportive partnership with like-minded organizations enhances our likelihood of success. We are hoping to entice you to donate either your hard-earned money to a cause that is above all of us. We are not looking for any type of monetary compensation or to be reimbursed for our time. We are only looking for what is necessary to provide the homeless of St. Boniface what matters the most; the feeling of being where you belong in the comfort and security of your own home.
St. Boniface Street Links is interested in working with all those resident, employed, those in business, seniors, youth – everyone who shares our belief that the economic health of any community or neighbourhood is entirely linked to the social health of the people. We look forward to working with everyone to improve the safety and well-being of all those who live, work, visit and play in this most vibrant and beautiful community!
“You know, it’s really not that complicated. We just want access to what others take for granted” – Faron Hall
