Brandon Library Launches Support Hub with Ask Auntie Program

A new community support hub has been established within the Westman Regional Library in downtown Brandon, Manitoba, connecting vulnerable individuals directly with essential social services. The initiative, a collaboration between the library and the Ask Auntie program, aims to provide guidance and resources to individuals facing challenges, particularly within Indigenous and marginalized communities.

Destiny Thompson, a case manager with Ask Auntie, has been the first point of contact, operating from an office located in the library’s foyer since November. Her approach often involves informal interactions, such as engaging patrons over puzzles or casual conversations, allowing her to connect them with necessary resources. “I get to see everything first-hand,” Thompson noted. “I understand … situations a little better for our people.”

Thompson’s hours at the library run from 10:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday. Many patrons find themselves at the library during the day, particularly as the city lacks a daytime drop-in centre following the closure of the Blue Door due to rising violence. According to local reports, the city had 821 unhoused individuals recorded in 2025, a slight decrease from 909 in 2024, although many experts caution that these figures may not fully represent the reality.

Addressing Growing Needs in the Community

The Brandon outreach initiative mirrors similar programs across Canada, including a revamped support hub in Winnipeg’s Millennium Library that opened in October and a recently expanded support program at the Toronto Public Library. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the need for dedicated spaces where vulnerable populations can receive support and resources.

Erika Martin, director of the Westman Regional Library, highlighted the importance of the Ask Auntie program in bridging gaps between library patrons, security, and staff. Over the past five years, the library has witnessed a notable increase in daytime visitors. “It’s a community living room,” Martin remarked, emphasizing the library’s role as a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for those in need.

The library has also faced challenges related to security, prompting the addition of a security guard to manage safety concerns. While this measure was necessary, it has sometimes strained relationships with patrons. Martin expressed the difficulty of having to ask individuals to leave, stating, “It’s kind of disheartening to leave them at the door.” The presence of Ask Auntie has shifted this dynamic, allowing for a more compassionate approach to support and understanding.

Fostering Trust and Community Connections

The collaboration between the library and Ask Auntie is part of a broader effort to revitalize downtown Brandon by fostering partnerships with various organizations, including Westman Immigrant Services and the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation. Martin explained that the goal is to work collaboratively without duplicating efforts, creating a unified approach to address community needs.

Travis Norris, a patron who has been homeless for five months, relies on Thompson for support. “She cares about every single person that walks in this library,” Norris said. While nighttime shelters exist, options during the day are limited, making the library a crucial destination for many. “Destiny will talk to you and she will respect every word you say,” he added, emphasizing the importance of having someone like Thompson available for assistance.

Thompson believes that trust is essential in her role, and her consistent presence in the library has already helped de-escalate potential conflicts and connect individuals with necessary support. “An auntie is the only one that can love you like a mom but also, you know, be supportive in other ways,” she stated.

As this initiative unfolds, the partnership between the Westman Regional Library and Ask Auntie represents a meaningful step towards addressing the complex needs of vulnerable populations in Brandon, fostering a sense of community and support in a welcoming environment.