When Frehley McKay died last year in a gang war, no one wanted to host the funeral, fearing retaliation from McKay's gang rivals. With nowhere for friends and family to gather, nowhere to lay the coffin for its last rites, the people of Anishinabe Fellowship Centre stepped forward, offering the centre as the place where the 22-year-old's loved ones would say farewell. Police in bullet-proof vests camped out at each corner to ensure no more violence ensued.
At Sunday worship last May, Rev. Margaret Mullin, who boasts Ojibway heritage on her mother's side, speaks to the congregation about a young man named Davey who committed suicide the Friday before. “So many lives are wasted because they run out of hope and they can't do it any longer,” she begins. “You never know what's going to happen to those you love. Have you hugged your children today? Have you told them you love them?”
Run by Mullin, along with committed staff and volunteers who make the numerous programs and activities run smoothly, Anishinabe is part of the Winnipeg Inner City Mission along with its partner, Flora House. It is literally a refuge in this dangerous corner of north Winnipeg. Sunday worship — held at 3:30 p.m. and followed by a warm meal — must end well before dark, since the streets aren't safe to walk when the sun goes down.
It is from the desire to offer an escape from the lure of the street that the impetus to build an addition came.
Transitional housing, offered to single people who have made a commitment to life change, is expected to open in June and was made possible through an ambitious plan which secured funding from government, non-profits, churches and individual donors.
Mullin hopes the new apartments will further the centre's ministry and provide lasting healing for residents. Rent will be geared to income, and residents will be expected to work at the centre for six hours each week, making the building their own.
“It all starts with coffee and conversation,” said Mullin. “And as relationships develop, we learn of the challenges in their lives and help them through those challenges, whatever they are.”
