Latest News from The INN

Q: It’s been a while since we’ve heard from The INN. Are plans still moving forward? And have you made progress on the bylaw issue?

A: Absolutely. It’s been a busy year for the board, and we believe we’ve made progress on the bylaw question. We continue to communicate – through media, our website, and meetings with the City – that The INN is not an Emergency Shelter. People using The INN won’t be asked to leave each morning with nowhere to go. Instead, they’ll have a room, services, and the stability they need to move forward.

Q: So people will be able to stay at The INN 24/7?

A: Yes. Everyone entering The INN will go through a simple screening process and sign a tenant agreement based on safety, respect, and cooperation. People will stay until appropriate permanent housing is found for them.

Q: What kinds of services will The INN offer tenants?

A: Our staff will help tenants identify the barriers that have kept them unhoused and figure out what supports they need. For people who suddenly lose their housing, we will also offer Rapid Rehousing. This service helps people move quickly into permanent housing, so homelessness is brief and does not become a long-term experience. This work also includes Prevention. By staying connected with community agencies, we can support people who are at risk of losing their housing and need a temporary, safe place to stay. The INN will be that safe place, with coordinated Wrap-around care.

Q: What does Wrap-around care mean?

A: Wrap-around care means access to services that support a person’s whole life – health care, employment services, mental health supports, addiction recovery programs, and appropriate cultural and spiritual care. Some services, like basic nursing care, will be available on-site. Others will be accessed through community partners. Our approach is a “hand-up, not a hand-out.” We help people reach their own housing goals and identify what supports will help them keep that housing long-term.

Q: You mentioned nursing care. Why is that needed? And are you planning to be a safe consumption site?

A: No. The INN will not be a consumption site. It is housing – not clinical. A nurse will be on-site to help people stay healthy. This includes basic first aid, monitoring chronic conditions, foot and wound care, and help with medication. When health needs are met, people are better able to focus on the next steps in their lives. Having a nurse on-site will also reduce calls to EMS and visits to the ER. Especially during a time when finding a family doctor is difficult, nursing care is critical, compassionate, and cost-saving.

Q: In the past, you’ve mentioned The INN will be using a Harm Reduction approach. Is that still the plan?

A: Yes. Harm reduction means meeting people where they’re at, keeping them safe, and supporting them toward healthier choices. It does not mean enabling harmful behaviours. Programs like this reduce risks, reduce disorder, and increase the overall safety in the community.

Q: How will The INN benefit Main Street businesses?

A: The INN will be a well-designed building that fits beautifully with the rest of Main Street. It will reduce the need for people who are unhoused to shelter in vestibules or washrooms. We know it’s difficult for business owners and their customers when someone has nowhere warm to go. The INN will address this concern by providing a safe, private place for people to stay. It also reflects our community’s values of caring for people. The building will provide privacy for both tenants and neighbours.

Q: Do you believe there is community support for building at 447 Main Street?

A: Yes. At a public meeting in May, we conducted a survey. Eighty percent of respondents agreed it’s an ideal location for The INN. We also have endorsements from several respected service organizations in the area and around the province. The building is designed, the land is purchased, and a major portion of capital funding is committed pending City approval. The INN will be a safe, responsible, locally grounded response to a growing need.

Q: What about concerns from neighbours who live close to The INN?

A: Neighbours in the area and on Main Street are already experiencing the effects of homelessness in our community. The INN will have 24/7 on-site staff, a controlled entry, zero-tolerance for violence, clear behavioral expectations, a “good neighbour agreement,” case management and life skills training that will offer each resident meaningful daytime engagement. The INN will strengthen overall community safety and stability.

Q: How is fundraising going?

A: We are deeply grateful to the Southeast, which has contributed about $125,000 in grassroots donations. These gifts from individuals, families, and businesses show strong support for The INN. These funds are being used to cover The INN’s pre-development costs.

Q: What are your financial needs right now?

A: Our goal is to raise $25,000 by the end of 2025. This will allow us to take the project through the final planning steps – building on community partnerships, regulatory requirements, and fundraising strategies. To do that, we’re asking the community to step up once again.

Q: Any final comments?

A: Thank you to everyone who has already contributed financially and offered encouragement. Your support keeps us moving forward. If you’d like to help us reach our $25,000 fundraising goal for December, please visit steinbachinn.ca/donate to donate online, or send a cheque to: The INN, Box 213, La Broquerie, MB R0A 0W0.