A rise in drug-related and violent crimes has families in the inner-city feeling very helpless, but not hopeless. 

A statement from Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) Chief Danny Smyth on Monday confirmed that violent, property, and drug crime had risen in the city. Smyth said this rise is largely due to an increased use of methamphetamine.

For those in the inner-city, it's a problem that they see every day.

"Meth is really making moms and dads worried in the community," said Kent Dueck, executive director of Inner City Youth Alive (ICYA). 

Dueck says that parents with vulnerable youth are especially worried because of how prevalent meth, referred to as 'the stuff' in the inner-city, is in their area.

The troublesome part, Dueck says, is that the kids getting caught up with these crowds are generally good people.

"They are good people," Dueck said. "You hear of good people getting caught on this stuff."

ICYA has personal experience with meth affecting their youth. One youth, who Dueck said was also a really good kid, has become unsafe to be around after going too deep into meth.

Dueck sees the cycle of addiction, which keeps users hooked and leads to the user committing more crimes.

"Talking with people in the community, I would say there's a sense of feeling very helpless," Dueck sighed.

But helpless doesn't mean hopeless.

"There's strength here," Dueck continued. "People are willing to fight."

ICYA has seen people coming together at a grassroots level to talk about what's next. Members of the community were able to shut down a drug house in the area together.

A big thing the community is looking for is a fast-track for treatment. Dueck says they will often lose those willing to make a change in their lives because it takes too long to get into treatment.

"There is this perfect storm where addicts have small windows where they're willing to make a change and there is a long wait to get into treatment," he said.

Dueck wants to ask for prayer for those in the inner-city who are fighting this battle, and prayer for those who have found themselves addicted. Something he often hears from those in his community is that addicts are still people.

"Addiction impacts everyone," Dueck said. "Addiction cuts across all the socio-economic boundaries."

ICYA continues to reach out into the community. From August 13-17, they are running a DVBS-style day camp and are needing volunteers. Morning volunteers can help with crafts, activities, and God talks, while full-day volunteers can help bring kids on outings.

"You get to meet kids from our community," Dueck explained. "It's really fulfilling to give back."