Shared Responsibility: Building Healthy Communities in Winnipeg's North End

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of inner-city residents and service providers and represent their ideas about building healthy communities.

The term “inner city” is often associated with a variety of urban problems. Though there are clearly problems with the physical infrastructure, including a lack of adequate and affordable housing, in our observations, Winnipeg’s inner city is rich in resident capacity and overall social capital. The multiple barriers residents face to the fullest expression of their talents and abilities are the major threats to community health. Many agencies and community groups in the inner city have been active in addressing a variety of issues. We wanted to find out what was being done from the perspectives of people who live and work in the North End.