If you have recently been evicted in Manitoba, finding emergency shelter quickly is incredibly important. Sudden loss of housing can be overwhelming, but there are resources and legal protections to help you stay safe and supported as you take your next steps. This guide explains the emergency shelter options available, relevant tenant legislation, and how you can access assistance after an eviction in Manitoba.
Where to Turn After an Eviction: Immediate Shelter Choices
Following an eviction, your first priority is to secure safe shelter for yourself and your household. Manitoba’s main cities and regions offer emergency options for people who have just lost their rental housing.
Emergency Shelters in Manitoba
- Winnipeg: Major providers include Siloam Mission, Main Street Project, and Salvation Army Booth Centre. These organizations offer short-term beds, meals, and access to social workers.
- Brandon and Rural Manitoba: Samaritan House in Brandon or your local Manitoba Emergency Social Services office can help find nearby shelter. Rural communities may offer crisis housing or partnership spaces at churches or community centres.
- For a full list of shelters, see the Manitoba emergency housing directory.
Most shelters offer beds on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive as early as possible to maximize your chances of a spot.
Provincial Assistance: Social Housing and Supports
If you need ongoing support, connect with:
- Manitoba Housing: Apply for public and subsidized housing and request priority placement if you have been evicted.
- Manitoba Emergency Social Services: Call 204-945-3050 (Winnipeg) or 1-866-561-9600 (toll-free) for urgent housing referrals elsewhere in the province.
- For families with children, engage Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) for emergency financial help and advocacy.
If you have special needs (elderly, health concerns, domestic violence), ask for a referral to a specialized shelter or support program.
Your Rights and Manitoba’s Tenancy Protections After Eviction
The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) sets out your rights, the correct eviction process, and potential ways to challenge wrongful evictions. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the authority for rental disputes and tenant applications.
If you believe your eviction was unlawful or you did not receive proper notice, you can apply for a review with the RTB. This might allow you to regain access to your unit or seek compensation.
Key Forms and How to Use Them
- Application for Order of Possession (Form RTB-002): Used by landlords to request possession of a unit. As a tenant, if you receive a copy, you may have grounds to contest if the eviction was improper. Download and review the order here.
- Notice of Objection (Form RTB-009): If you wish to dispute an eviction, you can file this form with the Residential Tenancies Branch within 5 days after receiving an order or decision. Learn more and access forms here.
Example: If you are evicted but believe your landlord did not follow correct procedures, submit the Notice of Objection quickly. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation regarding your tenancy and eviction.
Staying Safe and Preserving Your Belongings
Manitoba law requires landlords to follow regulated procedures before disposing of a tenant's possessions after eviction. If your belongings are locked inside, contact your landlord and the RTB for a retrieval schedule. For moving out tips, check Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.
If health or safety is a concern, such as the shelter being unsafe, or there are urgent repairs required in emergency housing, consult the RTB or see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Looking for New Rental Options?
After finding emergency shelter, plan for longer-term housing. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to start searching as soon as you’re able.
Understanding Your Rights in Manitoba
To learn more about the full scope of your protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for an overview of rent rules, notice periods, and dispute resolution in the province.
FAQs: Emergency Housing After Eviction in Manitoba
- What should I do immediately after being evicted in Manitoba?
Seek emergency shelter, contact Manitoba Emergency Social Services, and keep copies of all eviction notices and communications. If the eviction was unlawful, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch to discuss your options. - Where can I find emergency shelter if I’m evicted?
Major cities like Winnipeg and Brandon offer shelter beds via mission organizations, while rural areas have crisis housing supported by the province. See the Manitoba government’s emergency housing website for locations. - Can I appeal my eviction in Manitoba?
Yes. If you believe your eviction was incorrect, file a Notice of Objection (Form RTB-009) with the Residential Tenancies Branch within 5 days of receiving the decision. - How do I apply for government supported housing?
Contact Manitoba Housing for applications for subsidized housing and ask for priority processing if you have been evicted or are at risk of homelessness. - What happens to my belongings after I am evicted?
Landlords must follow legal procedures. If you can't access your items, coordinate with your landlord and the RTB. Avoid leaving property behind without a written plan.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Evicted Tenants in Manitoba
- Act fast to secure safe shelter; government and community resources are available across Manitoba.
- Know your rights—eviction must follow legal notice and process under the Residential Tenancies Act.
- Use official forms, such as the Notice of Objection, to appeal if your eviction was wrongful.
- For long-term solutions, apply for subsidized housing and regularly check for new rental opportunities.
If in doubt, contact tenant advocates or the RTB for guidance at any stage of the process.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) Manitoba – Tenancy disputes, forms, and appeals
- Manitoba Emergency Housing Resources – Emergency shelter list and crisis contacts
- Manitoba Housing – Subsidized and social housing application
- For tenant advocacy: Legal Aid Manitoba or the Community Legal Education Association (CLEA)
- Income and emergency financial resources: Employment and Income Assistance (EIA)
