You will find local resources related to providing for a baby in the categories of: Money, Baby Clothing and Items, Parenting Support and Groups, Housing, and Food. If we are missing a resource that can help families, please contact us. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is possible that the below resources have changed their services and availability. Please contact each resources to inquire.
MUTUAL AID SOCIETY WINNIPEG
Resource: If you need something and you don’t know where or how to get it, join and post in this facebook group and the group’s members will try to help.
How to Access it: Visit the link below if you are logged into your Facebook account, or search Facebook for ‘MAS (mutual aid society) Winnipeg’ and click ‘+Join’ in the group.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/220944599058149/about/
UNITED WAY (COVID-19)
Resource: The United Way Winnipeg has compiled a list to help you find the Covid-19 services you need fast. Supports, such as essential information, health, mental health, and medical resources, assistance with paying bills and applying for EI, are available and ready to be accessed. We have compiled a list here, to help you find the services you need fast.
How to Access it: Visit the link below and then visit the resources’s website you are interested in.
Website: https://unitedwaywinnipeg.ca/covid-19-resources-list-for-winnipeggers/?fbclid=IwAR2QmXx6o-H90bfOYbm-yoPyCQIQ2bwAv3H1wQ3cOGCAuSiEAlELrikgNiM
WINNIPEG HARVEST
Resource: Winnipeg Harvest
How to Access it: Visit Winnipeg Harvest
MONEY
Are you struggling to make ends meet? You may be eligible for more benefits and programs, listed and explained in the 20-page plain language booklet ‘Get Your Benefits!’. Don’t miss their section ‘Families with Children’ or their info about why even if you make no money, filing taxes can get you government benefits.
Visit www.getyourbenefits.ca for more information.
CANADA CHILD TAX BENEFIT
Resource: Monthly, non-taxable payment to help families with the cost of raising children. Amount of payment is based on your family’s income.
How to Access it: If you are the parent of a newborn, complete the Birth Registration package given to you when you deliver your baby, or by using the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) Service, found on their website.
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview.html
Phone Number: 1-800-387-1193
EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME ASSISTANCE
Resource: Financial help to Manitobans who have no other way to support themselves or their families. For people who are able to work, EIA will help them go back to work by providing supports to employment.
How to Access It: To make an appointment, or to find the EIA office that you should go to, visit the locations website http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/misc/loc/winnipeg.html#do , or call the number below.
Website: http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/assistance/eia.html
Phone Number: 204-948-4000, outside of Winnipeg, 1-877-812-0014
MANITOBA CHILD BENEFIT PROGRAM
Resource: Annual, non-taxable payment to help families transition from Welfare assistance, in addition to providing financial assistance for children’s prescription eyeglasses.
How to access it: If you are in receipt of the Canada Child Tax benefit, not on Employment Income Assistance, your working family may be eligible for up to $420 tax free each year, for each child under the age of 18 who is in your care. You can print the application on their website, then fill it out and mail it in.
Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia/mcb.html
Phone Number: Toll Free: 1-800-563-8793
MANITOBA PRENATAL BENEFIT
Resource: If you are pregnant, live in Manitoba and have a net (after taxes) family income of less than $32,000 a year you will receive a monthly cheque that they hope you will buy healthy foods that you need during pregnancy.
How to Access it: Download a form from their website or pick one up at a medical office where you are getting prenatal care, or government offices or community agencies. You must provide a medical note from your health care provider, saying you are pregnant and when you are due.
Website: http://www.gov.mb.ca/healthychild/healthybaby/mpb.html or (http://www.gov.mb.ca/healthychild/healthybaby/babyappln.pdf)
Phone Number: Call 204-945-1301 (in Winnipeg) or 1-888-848-0140 (outside of Winnipeg)
WEST CENTRAL WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTRE
Resource: Support and mentorship dealing with problems or concerns around housing or income security, assisted by a One-on-One Mentor.
How to Access it: Visit their website, call, or visit in person Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm and Tuesday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Website: www.wcwrc.ca
Phone Number: 204-774-8975
Address: 640 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
BABY CLOTHING AND ITEMS
CENTRE FLAVIE-LAURENT CENTRE INC.
Resource: Free clothing, furniture, appliances, and household items to people receiving Income Assistance.
How to Access it: To request an item(s), you must come into the Centre at 450 Provencher Boulevard (between 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday to Friday), and complete a registration form. You will need your medical number, and if applicable, all employment income assistance information with you. They will do their best to help you acquire the items you need. If you are approved to receive items and you find things that you require, you must take these items with you the same day that you are at the centre. They can also deliver the items you have selected to your home for a $25 delivery charge.
Website: http://www.cflc.info/home-3/
Address: 450 Provencher Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone Number: 204-231-9513
CLASSIFIED AD WEBSITES: Kijiji or Used Winnipeg
Location: Online
Resource: Online advertisements offering free or low-cost items.
How to Access It: Search the websites for the item you are looking for, contact the seller/donor and arrange delivery/pick-up.
Website: http://kijiji.ca/ or http://www.usedwinnipeg.com/classifieds/baby
FORT GARRY WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTRE
Location: South Winnipeg
Resource: Free clothing for women and children.
How to access it: Clothing room is by appointment only. Phone to book an appointment. Up to 3 clothing items per person. Childcare is available upon request.
Website: https://fgwrc.ca/
Phone number: 204-477-1123
Address: 104-3100 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Buzz Code: #106
HANDS OF HOPE
Location: South
Resource: Free furniture and household goods, and delivery, to people in financial need.
How to access it: To request furniture, call (204) 261-8607 from Monday to Thursday from 10 AM to 12 PM (voice messages and emails are not accepted for requests).
Website: www.handsofhope.ca
Phone number: 204-261-8607
Address: 50 Barnes Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 4Z7
NORTH END WOMEN’S CENTRE’S UP SHOPPE
Location: North End
Resource: The Up Shoppe (a second hand store) offers items such as clothing, accessories, toys and household items for extremely low prices. Monthly $5 bag sales. The Up Shoppe’s Referral Program provides family clothing, shoes, small housewares, linen, and infant layettes to women who are referred by partner agencies or NEWC and had to suddenly leave home without their belongings, gave birth recently, had to take in a family member, are attending a job interview or have left an institution setting or a shelter.
How to Access it: Visit the website, or visit the resource centre. The Up Shoppe hours are Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Website: http://www.newcentre.org/
Phone number: (204) 582-3494
Address: The Up Shoppe, 384 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
THE SWAPPING NETWORK
Location: Changes with each swap
Resource: Maternity, baby, toddler, pre-school and kids clothing. Toys, and baby supplies.
How to Access it: Donate your gently used and freshly laundered kid’s clothing from newborn to size/age 12, as well as any toys, baby items and maternity wear. Then, attend one of their swap events, and trade your items for whatever you or your children need.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/206469622699216/
WINNIPEG BABYWEARERS
Location: West Broadway
Resource: Various baby carriers are available to rent for a small fee with knowledgeable volunteers to teach you how to use them.
How to Access it: Two group meetings per month, generally the first Saturday and third Friday of each month. Request to join their Facebook group.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/winnipegbabywearers
Email: winnipegbabywearers@hotmail.com
WINNIPEG INNER CITY MISSION
Location: North End
Resource: Most items of clothing, shoes, small household items, books, toys, games, bedding, towels, and personal toiletry items are sold for .25 cents.
How to Access it: The Miracle Store is located at the Anishinabe Fellowship Centre on 287 Laura Street and operates Mon-Thurs at 9am-3pm.
Website: https://wicm.ca/wicm-thrift-store/
Phone: For more information contact 204-946-0887
WOLSELEY FAMILY PLACE
Location: West Broadway
Resource: Low-cost clothing items including clothing, seasonal outwear and footwear for adults, infants and children. $1 shopping bag, $2 Garbage Bag, or trade a bag for a bag.
How to Access it: Visit their website, or visit in person. Hours of operation are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Wednesday: Closed mornings, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Website: www.wolseleyfamilyplace.com
Address: 202-222 Furby Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2A7
Phone Number: 204-560-3141 or admin@wfpwpg.ca
PARENTING AND SUPPORT GROUPS
A WOMAN’S PLACE
Location: Downtown
Resource: A Woman’s Place Domestic Violence Support and Legal Services provides supportive counselling and legal services for women who have exited/are exiting an abusive relationship. Supports include: Legal Representation, Legal Aid applications, assistance with protective orders, advocacy and accompaniment to court or appointments, assistance in preparing legal documents, and support groups and counselling groups.
How to access it: To access their service, contact your healthcare provider, or call the phone number below
Website: http://www.norwestcoop.ca/mind-spirit/a-womans-place/
Phone Number: 204-940-6624
Address: Access NorWest; 785 Keewatin Street; Winnipeg, MB R2X 3B9
ANDREWS STREET FAMILY CENTRE
Location: North End
Resource: Offers several different programs and services available to the community including a youth drop in, adult drop in, children’s program and aboriginal HeadStart. There are free laundry facilities, parenting classes, advocacy, referrals, resume help and emergency baby supplies. Additionally they have family night on Wednesdays, soup lunch on Thursdays and Harvest on alternating Mondays.
How to Access it: For more information on any of these programs or services, please give them a call.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Andrews-Street-Family-Centre-1055140467837290/Phone Number: 204-589-1721
Address: 220 Andrews Street (Andrews St @ Magnus Ave) Winnipeg, MB
ATTACHMENT NETWORK OF MANITOBA
Location: Online
Resource: Valuable parenting resources, including a list of book and web based links.
How to access it: Visit their website, click the ‘For Parents’ link.
Website: attachmentnetwork.ca
HEALTHY START FOR MOM AND ME
Prenatal Program and Parent & Baby Program
Location: Winnipeg-wide
Resource: Educational and Friendly drop-in programs for pregnant women and mom’s with babies up to 1 year, with free snacks, and milk coupons.
How to Access it: For the Prenatal Program: 8 locations across Winnipeg. Locations can be found at http://www.hsmm.ca/wp/?page_id=5 or call 204-949-5350 or email info@hsmm.ca for locations and times.
Website: http://www.hsmm.ca/wp/?page_id=3
Phone Number: 204-949-5350
IMMIGRANT WOMEN’S COUNSELLING SERVICES
Intimate Partner Violence support via NorWest Co-Op Community Health Centre
Location: Downtown
Resource: Confidential and non-judgmental counselling to immigrant women who have experienced trauma in their country of origin and / or domestic violence. Services are available to women who are either newcomers or long term residence of Canada, are experiencing domestic violence and/or have a history of violence in their country of origin and/or are needing support adapting to Canadian Culture.
How to access it: You can contact an Immigrant Women’s Counselling Services Intake Worker at (204) 938-5900 Website: https://norwestcoop.ca/program_service/immigrant-womens-counselling/
Phone Number: 204-938-5900
Address: Access NorWest; 785 Keewatin Street; Winnipeg, MB R2X 3B9
INSIGHT MENTOR PROGRAM
Resource: Substance Abuse Support. Our InSight Mentorship programs offers support for pregnant women and new mothers with substance use problems. Their programs provide services for women who are 18 years and older who have substance abuse problems and are pregnant or have recently given birth. InSight helps women access housing, transportation, prenatal care, parenting support, harm-reduction services, family planning, drug or alcohol treatment and services that address domestic abuse, trauma and violence.
How to Access It:
1) NorWest Co-Op Community Health Centre
For more information for yourself or someone you know please contact the Coordinator at (204) 938-5998.
Website: http://www.norwestcoop.ca/
Phone Number: 204-938-5998
Address: Access NorWest 785 Keewatin Street; Winnipeg, MB R2X 3B9
2) Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre:
The AHWC targets women self identifying as Indigenous, and provide cultural ways of healing, founded within the Medicine Wheel.
Website: http://ahwc.ca/insight/
For more information for yourself or someone you know please contact the Coordinator 204-925-3750
Address: 181 Higgins Avenue, Room 215, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3G1
LA LECHE LEAGUE CANADA- MANITOBA
Location: Manitoba-wide
Resource: Free info and parent-to-parent support to families wishing to breastfeed, or are already breastfeeding, 7 days a week.
How to Access it: To find local Manitoba support groups that meet monthly, visithttp://www.lllc.ca/find-group-manitoba
Phone: 204-257-3509 for support 7 days a week
Website: www.lllc.ca
MACFE- Manitoba Association for Childbirth and Family Education DOULA SERVICES
Resource: A Doula is a person who provides support to parents during the childbearing year, and who is trained in the process of labour and childbirth. MACFEs trained Doulas provide confidential, caring support during pregnancy and birth. This service is available to anyone who is pregnant and wants support during birth. Teens, single mothers, couples and women from all cultural backgrounds can benefit from the support of a Doula.
How to access it: contact MACFE by phone, or visit their website to request Doula services. Families who meet low income criteria are encouraged to contact them for information on their fee-assistance programs. Website: manitobachildbirth.com
Phone Number: For information on Doulas and payment options, call Lorie at 204-232-7602
Address: 7 Reenders Drive; Winnipeg, MB R2C 5K0
MA MAWI WI CHI ITATA CENTRE
Resource: Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre is a strength and value-based family resource centre delivering community-based programs and services within the philosophy embodied in our name “we all work together to help one another”. Programs include services such as parenting groups, home-based crisis intervention, community drop in, a variety of safe housing programs for youth between 13-17 years of age, and others.
How to access it: Visit the website below for detailed information about their programs. One main location, and three additional community sites (listed below)
Website: mamawi.com
Administrative Site 445 King Street; Winnipeg, MB R2W 2C5
Phone: 204-925-0300
Fax: 204-946-5042
Toll Free: 1-888-962-6294
Email: info@mamawi.com
Anderson Neighbourhood Care Site
Location: North End
Address: 318 Anderson Avenue; Winnipeg, MB R2W 1E5
Phone: 204-925-0349
Fax: 204-925-0306
McGregor Neighborhood Care Site
Address: 363 McGregor StreetWinnipeg; MB R2W 4X4
Phone: 204-925-6816
Fax: 204-925-0371
Spence Community Care Site
Address: 443 Spence Avenue; Winnipeg MB R3B 2R8
Phone: 204-925-0348
Fax: 204-925-0308
MIDWIVES OF MANITOBA
Resource: Midwives are primary health care providers, who Moms may choose as their first point of entry to the maternity care system. Midwives provide preconceptual, prenatal, labour, birth, postpartum care, which includes certain areas of gynaecology to their clients. As well, they provide counselling, education and emotional support related to the client’s physical, psychological and social needs.
How to Access it: Visit the website link http://www.midwives.mb.ca/mbmidwives.html for information about locations you can contact to find a midwife.
Website: midwives.mb.ca
NORTH END WOMEN’S CENTRE INC.
Location: North End
Resource: Offers several Children’s programs, including a Stay ‘n’ Play every Tuesday from 1:30 – 3:30 for children aged newborn to 6 years, and a Parenting Group.
How to Access it: Visit the website, or the resource centre or in person.
Website: www.newcentre.org
Phone number: 204-589-7347
Address: North End Women’s Centre: 394 Selkirk Ave; Winnipeg, MB
NORTHERNSTAR MILK BANK
Resource: Canada’s only community-based milk bank. They screen breastfeeding parents, accept donations of excess breastmilk from approved donors to be pasteurized in our laboratory. Milk is then given to sick babies in hospitals and at home.
How to Access it: Donor Milk is available by prescription only, accessed through your physician, midwife or nurse practitioner.
Website: northernstarmilkbank.ca
OYATE TIPI
Location: North End
Resource: Gently used household goods and furniture.
How to Access it: Women and children who are leaving poverty and/or abusive situations who receiving help from one of their partner programs.
Website: oyatetipi.com
Phone Number: 204-589-2218
Address: 606 Selkirk Avenue; Winnipeg, Manitoba R2W 2N1
WINNIPEG BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT CLINICS
Resource: Meet parents in your area, schedule one-on-one lactation consultations, and receive support and education from Public Health Nurses.
How to Access it: Eight+ locations in Winnipeg, view all their locations at http://www.wrha.mb.ca/
WOLSELEY FAMILY PLACE
Location: Wolseley
- Healthy Start for Mom and Me program, group drop in, every Thursday from 1:30 – 3:30, alternating between Prenatal one week and Postnatal – Babysteps the next.
- Parenting Education including group classes and one-on-one mentoring
- Playroom with a variety of activities available, with parents present, or remaining onsite.
How to Access it: Visit their website, or visit in person.
Website: www.wolseleyfamilyplace.com
Address: Lower Level; 691 Wolseley Avenue; Winnipeg, MB
Phone Number: 204-788-8052
WOMEN’S HOSPITAL BREASTFEEDING SERVICE
Location: Central
Resource: Free breastfeeding support for families from experiences nurses/lactation consultants.
How to Access it: Visit the basement in the Women’s Hospital, from 1:00 to 3:00 every Thursday for their Breastfeeding Clinic. Call Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to book an appointment for breastfeeding help.
Address: Basement Level, Women’s Hospital – Room WR117; 735 Notre Dame Avenue; Winnipeg, MB
Phone Number: 204-787-1166
WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC
Location: Downtown
Resource: An inclusive, feminist, pro-choice community health clinic that supports women through health services. They offer Mental Health Counselling, Parenting Group support, Birth and Mothering support, and various health Services.
How to Access it: For access to all of their resource information, visit their website, call, or visit them Monday to Wednesday 9:00am to 8:00pm, Thursday’s 9:00am to 9:00pm. Friday’s 9:00 to 4:30pm, Saturday’s from 9:00pm to 4:00pm. For their Mothers Program, visit their website, under the ‘Services’ tab, or call 204-947-2422 extension 113
Website: www.womenshealthclinic.org
Address: 419 Graham Avenue, Unit A; Winnipeg, MB
Phone Number: 204-947-1517
WRHA POSTPARTUM FOLLOW UP
Resource: Offers phone calls and home visiting services to all new mothers and their families, following birth.
How to Access it: You will be assigned a Public Health Nurse following the birth of your baby, who will contact you, or you can visit the website below to connect with a Community office.
Website: This website will give you a list of all the parenting programs offered, including WRHA Post partum follow up, and a list of all local community offices when you can contact a Public Health Nurse. https://wrha.mb.ca/locations-services/
Phone Number: For additional breastfeeding support, call 204-788-8667 for the WRHA 24 hour Breastfeeding Hotline
HOUSING
RENT ASSIST
Resource: Gives money to help cover housing costs to people with low incomes renting privately or to people getting Employment and Income Assistance (EIA).
How to Access it: To apply for non-EIA Rent Assist, you can download an application form, or call Provincial Services at 204-948-7368 in Winnipeg; 1-877-587-6224 toll free; or TTY 204-948-3698 to have an application form mailed to you. If you apply for EIA benefits, your eligibility for Rent Assist will also be assessed. To apply for EIA, call 204-948-4000 in Winnipeg; toll free at 1-877-812-0014; or 1-800-855-0511 (Manitoba Relay Service).
Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia/rent_assist.html
MANITOBA ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN’S SHELTERS
Resource: A list of all shelters in Manitoba, based on location. Shelters welcome men or women and their children, who are leaving abuse.
How to Access it: visit their website, and click on ‘Where Can I go?’
Website: www.maws.mb.ca
NATIVE WOMEN’S TRANSITION CENTRE
Location: North End
Resource: A centre that embraces Aboriginal traditional values and cultures.
- Long Term safe housing to Aboriginal Women and their children who are struggling to make life changes and escape violence
- Memengwaa Place, a second stage housing facility with support for up to one year (extensions can be granted) for women experiencing family violence
- Parenting Programs, including education for Mom’s about child development, bonding, and encouraging good behaviour
How to Access it: Visit their website to view all the available programs, phone, email or visit in person.
Website: Temporarily down. New address will be added Sept 2017Address: 105 Aikins Street; Winnipeg, MB
Phone Number: 204-989-8240
Email: rswnwt1@nwtc.cc
VILLA ROSA
Location: Wolseley
Resource: A no-cost prenatal and postnatal residence that offers a variety of programs in a safe environment. Accessible to any single, pregnant women or new mother in need. They offer a safe place to live during and after pregnancy, counselling services, an education program, and access to community health services.
How to Access it: If you need help, you can call or email Villa Rosa’s intake Social worker at 204-786-5741 extension 222, or email director@villarosa.mb.ca
Website: www.villarosa.mb.ca
Address: 784 Wolseley Avenue; Winnipeg, MB
Phone Number: 204-786-5741
FOOD
FOOD BANKS CANADA
Resource: A list of all the food banks in Canada.
How to Access it: visit their website, click the ‘Find a Food Bank’ link, and search by province, city, or postal code.
Website: www.foodbankscanada.ca