Welcome to the Link | formerly Macdonald Youth Services

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Emergency Shelters and Youth Resource Centres

Help When Families Need it Most

The Link has two Youth Resource Centres (YRCs) and Emergency Shelters, one in Winnipeg and one in Thompson, Manitoba, which operate 24/7, as emergency/transitional shelters for youth and young adults ages 12-20.

The YRCs are a free, safe place for youth to stay overnight or short-term, where a warm bed awaits them. Support is provided to youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, vulnerable of coming into contact with child welfare, criminal involvement/re-involvement and/or are at risk of sexual exploitation.

All youth accessing shelter services were provided food, clothing, hygiene needs, showers, laundry, first aid, and emergency transportation and bus tickets and when needed the YRC staff ensure that youth have the information, encouragement and support they need such as:

  • Indigenous Initiatives and cultural connections
  • System Navigation
  • Referrals, advocacy, resource information
  • Mental health and addictions counselling
  • Crisis intervention counselling

Parents and members of the community also use the YRC for support and information.

YRC and Shelter Winnipeg

159 Mayfair Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

A safe place for youth to stay overnight or short-term, where a warm bed and someone to listen are just the beginning. Staff welcome and work with youth to understand their personal situation and needs. The resource centre is available to youth on a walk-in basis around the clock and provides basic needs like food and a shower, counselling, advocacy and referrals for additional help and resources.


YRC and Shelter Thompson

116 Hemlock Crescent in Thompson, Manitoba.

A team of caring people welcome and work with you to understand your needs and help give you a voice and choices when it comes to your own care. Services are free and accessible around the clock – whether you’re staying at the four bed shelter or just dropping in at the resource centre for help with food, clothing, showers, laundry, hygiene supplies, first aid, crisis intervention, counselling or referrals.