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As outlined in federal directives, CABs support Designated Communities, Indigenous Homelessness, and Territorial Homelessness funding streams by aligning initiatives with community needs and recommending projects for funding.
Since 2019, End Homelessness Winnipeg has served as the Community Entity (CE) for Reaching Home, with the Winnipeg CAB providing strategic direction and oversight. CAB members bring diverse, in-depth expertise across housing, social services, Indigenous initiatives, and grassroots programs, along with lived experience that reflects the diversity of Winnipeg.
Their work ensures that Reaching Home strategies are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the unique needs of all individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Through coordinated planning, project evaluation, and the development of local policy frameworks, CAB members help shape effective, community-led responses that reflect both expert insight and lived realities.
Mark is a proud member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek) First Nation in Manitoba, with strong Métis family roots. Based in Winnipeg with his wife and two daughters, his journey has been shaped by his upbringing in Winnipegosis, Manitoba, and studies at the University of Winnipeg. With over 25 years of experience in youth leadership, social welfare, and program development, Mark has held significant leadership roles, including 14 years as Executive Director of the North End Housing Project.
As Chair of Winnipeg's Community Advisory Board (CAB) for Reaching Home since 2015, Mark has been a driving force in addressing homelessness. His extensive governance experience and dedication to fostering collaboration, transparency, and inclusion reflect his commitment to preventing and ending homelessness. Mark's focus on coordinating resources and breaking down silos ensures impactful solutions for those most in need.
Shana is the CEO of Sara Riel, an organization providing person-centred mental health services grounded in respect and knowledge of lived experience. With a background in public service, she led teams to help shape health policy, infrastructure, and citizen-centered care to support individuals and families across Manitoba.
Holding an MBA from the University of Manitoba, she brings strategic expertise in governance, community engagement, and service excellence. She also serves on the Manitoba Centennial Centre Board.
A passionate advocate for strengths-based supports and well-being, Shana believes in nurturing meaningful foundations to uplift community.
Stefanie is a proud Métis woman living in Winnipeg with her family and has dedicated over a decade to advancing the non-profit and community housing sector. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and has pursued additional education in trauma-informed leadership and Indigenous community engagement. Throughout her career, Stefanie has developed a strong reputation as a collaborative leader, manager, and coach, empowering teams, supporting emerging professionals, and fostering meaningful partnerships to achieve lasting impact.
Stefanie began her career at Manitoba's largest housing co-operative, where she developed a passion for sustainable and affordable housing. She has continued to expand her expertise through national housing conferences, professional development opportunities, and a certification in Property Management. Her experience includes working with the Sustainable Affordable Housing program at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, where she gained valuable insight into housing development, funding, and policy from a national perspective.
Currently, Stefanie serves as Manager of the Regional Energy Coach Program at the Community Housing Transformation Centre. In this role, she leads a national team supporting capacity building initiatives that improve energy efficiency, reducing operating costs, and advancing sustainability goals. Previously, she led the Centre's Indigenous Internship Program, where she coached and mentored Indigenous youth while creating pathways into careers within the community housing sector. Stefanie is passionate about advancing innovative housing solutions that strengthen communities across Canada.
Al is a passionate advocate with lived experience, having spent 29 months on the streets of Winnipeg after a successful 200,000-a-year professional career. Drawing from his journey, Al has founded national and international lived experience groups and trained executives in person-centered engagement across healthcare, government, and corporate sectors. He has housed over 750 people in Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg using a "lived experience-led, person-centered housing first" model that respects all cultural and spiritual needs.
As host of the advocacy radio show Of No Fixed Address for eight years, Al amplifies voices on poverty, homelessness, and human rights. He founded "Hope Alley" memorial service and is working toward purchasing the area to expand its support for the community. Al also leads initiatives like the National Anti-Poverty Fund and the upcoming 2025 Worldwide Lived Experience Symposium. His efforts have influenced healthcare policies across Canada, improved patient care, and driven systemic change. Al has been a member of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for about a decade.
Brenda is a seasoned leader with a deep commitment to community development and Indigenous advocacy. Retiring from the Government of Canada in 2016, she brought decades of experience in strategic planning, partnership building, and policy implementation. As a Development Officer for Indigenous Services Canada, she played a pivotal role in advancing urban Indigenous initiatives, working alongside community steering committees to shape priorities, allocate strategic investments, and foster collaboration between Indigenous-led organizations, government stakeholders, and community partners. Her expertise in grants and contributions funding has directly contributed to improving socio-economic outcomes for Indigenous communities.
Recognized for her leadership and impact, Brenda received the Deputy Minister's Recognition Award for Leadership Excellence in 2014 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for her dedication to partnership-driven investments. Now, as a member of Winnipeg's Community Advisory Board for Reaching Home, she brings her wealth of experience to tackling homelessness. With a strong background in community engagement, funding allocation, and policy development, Brenda is committed to fostering sustainable solutions that create lasting change for vulnerable populations in Winnipeg.
Christina has dedicated her career to supporting, organizing, and collaborating with people living in poverty, with a particular focus on improving housing circumstances. Her experience includes case management in supportive housing for individuals who were previously homeless in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and community development work in social housing in Calgary. She later pursued policy and research, earning a Master's in City Planning from the University of Manitoba.
As the Executive Director of the Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association, Christina has expanded programs to support affordable housing, including the Rent Relief Fund, eviction prevention initiatives, and energy efficiency programs, while strengthening the Association's advocacy efforts. She co-authored significant reports, such as the Winnipeg Street Health Report (2011) and Here and Now: Winnipeg Plan to End Youth Homelessness (2016), and coordinated Winnipeg's Street Census projects in 2015 and 2018. Christina is an active member of the Winnipeg Community Advisory Board for Reaching Home and serves on the Board of Directors of the Community Housing Transformation Centre.
Dawn Cumming is a dedicated community advocate based in Winnipeg, with extensive experience in social services, community engagement, and program development. Her work spans multiple sectors, including addictions, mental health, early learning and child care, disability support, newcomer services, homelessness, and housing security. With a strong commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments, Dawn brings a broad perspective and deep expertise to her community work.
As the Director of Community Services at Mount Carmel Clinic, Dawn provides strategic leadership to programs that promote health, wellness, and equity. Known for her collaborative approach, she works to strengthen community connections and drive meaningful change.
Karen has dedicated over 26 years to serving as a Paramedic in Winnipeg, building a career rooted in compassion and a commitment to community well-being. Beginning her paramedic journey in the early 1990s in rural Manitoba communities, she has brought her expertise and dedication to her current role within the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.
As the District Chief of Paramedic Operations, Karen oversees the growing Community Paramedicine Program, working to address the complex health needs of Winnipeg's most vulnerable populations. Through fostering partnerships with healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations, Karen and her team bridge gaps in care, ensuring equitable access to medical support and improving health outcomes for those facing systemic barriers.
Paula is a dedicated advocate and lived expert whose journey from homelessness to healthcare has shaped her deep commitment to social change. A proud woman of color, she spent 8 years experiencing homelessness before entering the sex trade as a young adult. Determined to break the cycle, she overcame addiction, pursued her education, and has now worked as a nurse for over three decades. Her lived experience gives her an intimate understanding of the systemic barriers that marginalized communities face, particularly those struggling with housing insecurity and access to essential services.
Passionate about using her voice to uplift others, Paula now advocates for people experiencing homelessness, ensuring that policies and programs reflect the realities of those they aim to serve. Her expertise bridges the gap between lived experience and professional practice, bringing invaluable insight into trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and housing-first approaches.
Download a list of CAB members with additional information on their representative sectors here.
Ainfo@endhomelessnesswinnipeg.ca x204-942-8677
200-1065 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3G 0R8
x 204-942-8677 A info@endhomelessnesswinnipeg.ca