Community Shelters and Transitional Housing Options in Manitoba

When facing eviction or sudden homelessness in Manitoba, it’s vital to know where to turn for immediate shelter and transitional housing. Community shelters and support services provide safe places to stay, essential support, and a path back to stable housing for tenants in crisis. Whether you need emergency shelter in Winnipeg, short-term accommodation for families, or help navigating housing programs, this guide can help.

Understanding Shelters and Transitional Housing in Manitoba

Manitoba offers a range of resources for people who need emergency housing. Shelters are safe, short-term places to stay, while transitional housing gives you a longer-term temporary home with support to help you move into permanent housing.

• Emergency shelters: Provide overnight stays and basic needs for adults, youth, women, and families facing homelessness or fleeing unsafe situations.
• Transitional housing: Offers longer stays (from a few weeks to several months) with case management, counselling, skills support, and connections to permanent housing.

Who Runs Shelters in Manitoba?

Many community shelters and transitional housing programs in Manitoba are managed by non-profit organizations and supported by provincial funding. Provincial ministry contacts and local organizations such as Main Street Project, Siloam Mission, and YWCA provide these vital services.

When Might You Need a Shelter or Transitional Housing?

Shelters can help you if you:

• Have been evicted and have nowhere else to stay
• Are fleeing violence or unsafe conditions
• Are in financial crisis and cannot maintain your rental home
• Are waiting for a spot in a longer-term housing program

Transitional housing may be available if you need:

• Stability while you search for a new apartment or rental home
• Help accessing social housing, income support, or health care
• Assistance with housing applications and life skills

It's important to contact a shelter as soon as you know you might lose your housing. Many programs have waitlists, but emergency beds are prioritized for those most in need.

How to Access Community Shelters in Manitoba

Manitoba maintains several public directories for emergency housing and shelter resources. The official Manitoba government page on Housing Help and Homelessness Services lists local programs, contact numbers, and eligibility details.

• Winnipeg: Major providers include Main Street Project (mainstreetproject.ca), Siloam Mission, and Salvation Army Booth Centre. Visit in person or call ahead for intake information.
• Outside Winnipeg: Regional shelters operate in Brandon, Thompson, The Pas, and other centres. View listings on the Keeping Families First directory.
• Domestic violence: Contact Manitoba's Family Violence Crisis Line at 1-877-977-0007 for confidential help and shelter referrals.

Staff will provide a quick assessment, help you access immediate accommodation, and connect to other resources such as food, health care, and housing supports.

Transitional Housing: A Pathway to Stability

After your immediate housing needs are met, ask shelter staff about transitional programs. These often include:

• Temporary furnished rooms or shared apartments
• Case managers or social workers to help set goals
• Application help for provincial rent-geared-to-income housing
• Assistance finding job training or income support

If you secure new rental housing, review the Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting to ensure your next home meets all standards for your well-being and security.

Legal Considerations and Tenant Rights After Eviction

Eviction is a legal process in Manitoba, overseen by the Residential Tenancies Branch. The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) sets out rules for notice periods, grounds for eviction, and your rights as a tenant¹.

You can appeal or dispute an eviction order if you believe it was issued unfairly. For more about your legal rights and tenant protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Key Housing Forms for Tenants

• Application for Order of Possession (Form 13): Used by landlords after eviction. If you receive one, you may contest it with the Branch. Read about the process on the Residential Tenancies Branch Forms page.
• Notice of Termination: The official notice landlords must serve before eviction. Details and template can be found here. If you have questions about timelines and your next steps, contact the Branch immediately.
• Application for Assistance: If you need help finding a place to live after eviction, visit Housing Help and Homelessness Services.

Finding a New Home After Staying in a Shelter

When you’re ready to find your next rental, Canada's best rental listings platform can help you search new homes, set up viewings, and get settled quickly. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to view available apartments, condos, and homes for rent in Manitoba and across the country.

FAQ: Manitoba Community Shelters and Tenants

1. Can I bring my children to a shelter in Manitoba?
   Yes, several shelters in Manitoba accommodate families with children. Contact providers directly to confirm space and services.
2. What do I need to bring to an emergency shelter?
   Bring basic identification if possible (ID, health card). Shelters provide bedding and meals; personal belongings should be kept minimal due to limited space.
3. How long can I stay in a shelter?
   Stay length varies depending on the shelter and your needs. Emergency stays are typically short-term, while transitional housing can offer longer stays.
4. How do I apply for transitional housing?
   Ask shelter staff for help completing an application or referral. Some programs may have a waiting list and require a housing needs assessment.
5. What are my rights if I was evicted unfairly?
   If you feel your eviction was not legal, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for guidance on appeals and to learn your rights under Manitoba law.

Conclusion: Moving Forward After Eviction

Facing eviction can be overwhelming, but Manitoba’s community shelters and transitional housing options provide immediate safety and a foundation for rebuilding. Remember to:

• Reach out early to shelter services for help and advice
• Know your rights as a tenant under Manitoba law
• Use community and provincial resources for your next housing steps

With the right support, you can find stability and secure new housing after a difficult transition.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba): Official site – tenant and eviction inquiries
• Housing Help and Homelessness Services – Manitoba: Government information and application help
• 24/7 Family Violence Crisis Line: 1-877-977-0007
• Winnipeg Rental Network: Find affordable housing listings and help
• Legal information for Manitoba renters: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

---

1. See: Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy