New Steps ILP — Home

Youth Independent Living · Winnipeg MB

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

New Steps is a home for young people ages 16 to 21 who are leaving care. You get your own room. Staff are here day and night. You learn the skills you need to live on your own. Culture is part of daily life here, 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

Ages 16+

Staffed homes with support staff and life coaches on-site around the clock. Structured daily routines, life skills training, and wraparound support. Residents build a foundation of stability and trust.

  • Support staff and life coaches on-site around the clock
  • Structured daily routine
  • Weekly grocery support
  • Support and resources for meeting program goals
  • Cultural programming & Elder guidance
Next step
Phase 2

Transitional Living

Ages 18+

Independent suites with on-site staff support. Residents practice independent living skills — budgeting, cooking, employment — while maintaining a safety net.

  • Private suite
  • A weekly living allowance when they meet program expectations
  • Weekly grocery support
  • Employment & education support
  • Flexible curfew structure
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
  • Alumni mentorship network
  • Ongoing community connection
  • Emergency support access
Your new beginning
Explore our housing

Culture & Identity

Rooted in culture. Growing in confidence.

Independence doesn't mean doing it alone. At New Steps, cultural identity and spiritual wellness are the foundation everything else is built on.

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

Elder Guidance & Spiritual Wellness

Regular Elder visits provide cultural teachings, ceremony, and spiritual grounding. We honour whatever spiritual path grounds each young person — traditional, faith-based, or both.

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

Cultural Programming

Beading, regalia-making, drumming, and storytelling are woven into weekly schedules — not as extras, but as essentials.

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

Community Events

Powwows, round dances, community feasts, and seasonal gatherings connect youth to the wider First Nations and Métis community in Winnipeg.

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

Land-Based Learning

Seasonal outings for harvesting, fishing, and time on the land reconnect youth with traditional knowledge and the natural world.

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 leaving care or do not have a stable place to live. You get your own room. Staff are here day and night. You learn the skills you need to live on your own.
Who is it for?
Young people 16 to 21 in Winnipeg. You can be in care, on an extension of care, or without a worker. You do not need a file or a plan to start.
Is there a cost?
There is no cost to you or your family. New Steps is funded through the referring agency.
Is this same-day housing?
No. We are not a crisis placement. 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.

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.

Get Help Now