Candace House marks 5 years of supporting families of homicide victims

In a quiet room filled with a quilted blanket, a box of tissues and a smudging bowl, Corrine Chief took two long deep breaths.

"I am the sister of Felix Chief, who was murdered in 2021," she said in front of a small crowd inside Candace House, a Winnipeg organization that offers support and wraparound care for families of homicide victims.

"He was my brother, and I love him."

Chief held back tears as she continued speaking about her brother, who she said was just 28 years old when he was attacked by five people while riding his bike in Winnipeg's North End.

He died at the hospital.

"He was dearly missed by everyone who knew him," she said.

But because of the work of Candace House, Chief has been able to find comfort during a time of grief. The organization — which is marking its fifth anniversary this week — has been providing support for her and her family "since day one."

"Candace House has been with us since the very start," she said. "I feel welcome, understood and loved."

The space opened in November 2018 in honour of Candace Derksen, who was murdered nearly 40 years ago. Her parents, Cliff and Wilma Derksen, started the organization with the goal of providing a safe haven for families navigating the criminal justice system.

"This place has given me and my family a place to just be home," Chief told CBC. "They explain everything that I have questions for."

Located at 183 Kennedy St., less than a  block away from the provincial court house, the home-like space has recently expanded to offer comfort to more families.

Thanks to $1 million in donations from all three levels of government, community organizations, businesses and families, Candace House has grown to 3,600 square feet from 1,500.

It now is able to work with three to eight families daily, instead of the one to two it helped daily when it opened.

"In the last half-decade, Candace House became a beacon of hope," executive director Cecilly Hindebrand said at the gathering Tuesday.

$5K goal on Giving Tuesday

About 1,300 people connected to more than 140 homicides in Manitoba have used Candace House's services since it opened. But as homicide numbers in Winnipeg are climbing, so too has the need for the organization's support, Hildebrand said.

Instead of just offering help to families during court, Candace House now lends a hand throughout the process — hosting meetings with police and families, providing access to elders, smudging and other cultural supports, and connecting them with other community groups that provide wraparound care.

Staff also regularly meet with families between court proceedings to answer questions, provide a meal or offer a shoulder to cry on.

"Rather than families having to go to police headquarters or to government buildings, they come to a place that's more neutral, one that's safer for families," Hildebrand told CBC.

The organization also began hosting parole board hearings, which are now often held virtually.

However, Hildebrand has mixed feelings about the organization's growth.

"I wish I was telling my donors, 'Hey, we're wrapping up, we're done. There's not a need for our services anymore,'" she said.

"It hurts seeing the amount of trauma and violence that there is in our city. It's beautiful seeing the way that families honour their loved ones."

The organization is hoping to raise $5,000 on Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement that encourages people to donate to causes important to them. The money would help support Candace House's ongoing expenses.

Two years after her brother's death, as she awaits a sentencing hearing for one of those convicted in her brother's murder, Chief is still in touch with Candace House.

She said other families who have lost loved ones shouldn't hesitate to reach out to them.

"Candace House has done a lot for myself and my family," she said. "Just come. Get the supports."