Latest News from The INN

Media Update for April 2026

The INN is pleased to share that we have applied to the City of Steinbach to amend the zoning bylaw by adding Transitional Housing as a defined use. We understand that the first reading of this amendment is scheduled for April 21, 2026, after which it will proceed to second and third readings.

This defined use is conditional and will require a public hearing. This will be an important opportunity for community members to attend, learn more, and share their support. We are deeply grateful for the letters of endorsement we have already received, and we warmly welcome additional letters from community members, businesses, and churches. Letters may be sent to The INN as well as directly to City Council, and they will play a meaningful role in the public hearing process.

The INN remains committed to open and respectful dialogue. We are always willing to meet with anyone who has questions or concerns and encourage community members to reach out to us. Please contact [email protected] by email to arrange a meeting.

We are encouraged to hear that Eden and SCO will be moving ahead with their 30-bed housing project, including pet-friendly suites and some non-permanent, transitional-style units.  At the same time, it’s important to recognize that The INN serves a distinct and essential role. As a low-barrier, immediate-access program, The INN is designed to be the first point of entry for individuals experiencing homelessness—particularly those who are not yet able to access other housing options. This ensures that people have a safe place to go in urgent situations and a pathway toward more stable housing when they are ready.

We anticipate that approximately 30–40% of individuals accessing The INN will be referred to mental health supportive housing or services such as the Eden and SCO project. Another 30% may be referred to addiction recovery programs, such as Adult & Teen Challenge or others of their choice. The remaining 30% are expected to move into other housing organizations or private housing options within the community.

There will likely always be a need for The INN, as people continue to experience housing crises for many reasons—such as unexpected job loss, changes in health, or temporary gaps in housing availability. The INN is intended to serve as a safety net for the Southeast, offering support during these vulnerable moments.

The INN fills a current service gap in the Southeast by focusing first on prevention—working to stop a first episode of homelessness whenever possible. We will also provide low barrier, immediate access to housing and wraparound supports 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Individuals will be able to stay until permanent housing is secured and will receive basic nursing care, connections to community services, and followup checkins for up to three months after they move into permanent housing, if needed. Local private landlords will also have access to support through The INN. Importantly, anyone who may return after a housing placement that did not work out will always be welcomed back.

Ending homelessness requires an entire community working together, and we are grateful to be part of a region that already does so much to support its residents. Organizations such as Soups On and Helping Hands help ensure people have access to food so they can better afford housing. SCO offers food and many essential services at no costs for their guests.  SEEC continues to champion improved public transportation, helping residents reach employment opportunities and maintain stable housing.

We are fortunate to have many well respected charitable and nonprofit supportive housing organizations in our community, including Agape House, Eden, El-dad, Envision, Manitoba Housing, Seniors Housing, The Bridge, Trailblazers, and many others.

The INN is building on the strong foundation laid by these organizations, and none of this work would be possible without the generosity of local donors and the support of municipal, provincial, and federal partners.

The INN will include 30 beds in private to semiprivate rooms, with project costs currently estimated at approximately $2 million. We look forward to proceeding as soon as a building permit is issued by the City of Steinbach. We all hope this can happen sooner rather than later, as the need in our community is both real and urgent.