New Steps ILP — Home

Youth Independent Living · Winnipeg MB

Independent living in Winnipeg for young people 16 to 21 leaving care

New Steps is an independent living program for young people 16 to 21 leaving care. You get your own room and 24/7 support. You learn the skills you need to live on your own. Cultural connection is part of how the program is designed, with strong ties to First Nations and Métis communities across Manitoba.

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Where to start

Three ways into New Steps. Take the one that sounds like you.

By the Numbers

Building independence, one step at a time

~625

Youth aging out of care yearly in MB

3-Phase

Housing Model

16–21

Ages We Serve

24/7

24/7 Support

Our 3-Phase Model

A clear path from support to independence

Every young person's journey is different, but the destination is the same — a stable, independent life they've built themselves.

Phase 1

Foundations

A shared start, when that fits

Shared homes where residents run their own day, with 24/7 support. Youth Life Skills Coaches visit and stay in touch, teaching life skills and connecting residents to wraparound support. Residents build a foundation of stability and trust.

  • 24/7 support: residents can reach our team at any hour
  • Youth Life Skills Coaches visit and stay in touch
  • Weekly grocery support
  • Support and resources for meeting program goals
  • Cultural connection, with Elder and cultural programming being built with community partners
Next step
Phase 2

Transitional Living

Where most young people start

Their own fully furnished apartment, with 24/7 support and regular coaching. Placement is by need, not age, so a 16- or 17-year-old who is ready can start here. Residents practise budgeting, cooking and work while keeping a safety net.

  • Their own fully furnished apartment
  • Building staff on site about 16 hours a day to look after the building (they are not caregivers)
  • A weekly living allowance when they meet program expectations
  • Weekly grocery support
  • Employment & education support
Next step
Phase 3

Independent Living

Graduation ~Age 21

Young adults leave with help finding affordable housing and a real plan after 21. Alumni support stays available so independence is not a cliff.

  • Independent apartment in the community
  • Help finding affordable housing and a real plan after 21
  • Staying connected after the program
  • Ongoing community connection
  • Emergency support access
Your new beginning
Explore our housing

Culture & Identity

Rooted in culture. Growing in confidence.

Cultural connection is part of how New Steps is designed. We are building our Elder advisory and cultural programming with community partners now.

People standing around an outdoor fire in winter beside a canvas-covered shelter

An Elder Advisory, Being Built

We are building our Elder advisory with community partners now. Elders and Knowledge Keepers will lead the teachings. New Steps does not write or lead them.

A large drum resting on a wooden stand with people seated around it

Cultural Programming, In Development

Cultural programming is being developed with community partners, at their pace. We will describe it here once it is running.

Youth and adults sitting together on blankets and camp chairs at an outdoor evening gathering

Connection by Design

Cultural connection is part of how the program is designed. New Steps has strong ties to First Nations and Métis communities across Manitoba.

A young person standing at the entrance of a painted tipi on a snowy winter day

Your Own Path

We respect whatever spiritual path grounds each young person: traditional, faith-based, both, or neither.

Many of the young people we serve come from Northern communities where church is a central part of daily life. We respect and support connection to faith communities alongside traditional cultural practices — guided by what each young person identifies as meaningful to them.

Common questions

What is New Steps?
New Steps is an Independent Living Program in Winnipeg for young people ages 16 to 21 who are in or leaving CFS care. You get your own room and 24/7 support. You learn the skills you need to live on your own.
Who is it for?
Young people 16 to 21 in Winnipeg who are involved with CFS: in care, leaving care, or on an extension of care. Anyone can reach out, including young people themselves. To move in, a young person needs to be involved with CFS, because placements are funded and approved through their agency.
Is there a cost?
There is no cost to you or your family. New Steps is funded through the young person's CFS agency, which arranges and approves the placement.
Is this same-day housing?
No. We are not crisis housing. When a room is open, a referral can move in about a week. If you need somewhere tonight, use the numbers on Get Help first, then call us.
How do I start?
Call 431-444-2114 or use the Get Help form. CFS and agency workers use the referral page. We respond within two business days and set up a call with the young person and their worker.

Not sure where you fit?

Call and say what is going on. If we are not the right fit, we will say so early rather than leave you waiting.

(431) 444-2114

Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM — urgent calls answered any time.

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