What is transitional housing?

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 Our transitional housing is for adults who:  

• Must be male or identify as male  
• Are 18 years of age or older  
• Are currently experiencing homelessness or at immediate risk of  homelessness (e.g., shelter, couch-surfing, unsafe/unstable housing, or leaving  an institution without housing)  
• Have a connection to the Brandon area (e.g., lived here, family here, services  here)  
• Are willing to work on housing, healing, and personal goals with staff supports  The program prioritizes people with high needs and high risk, such as men leaving  incarceration, shelters, or chronic homelessness.  

No. The program uses Brandon’s Coordinated Access system, so there is no direct  walk-in or first-come, first-served application.  

• You start by connecting with a local housing or support agency (for example: a  shelter, outreach worker, Brandon Friendship Centre, BNRC, Corrections  Services Canada, provincial corrections, or another community service).  
• A staff person there will complete a standard housing needs assessment with  you and add your name to the community’s By-Name List.  
• A community team regularly reviews people’s needs alongside available spaces  and then matches and refers individuals to the Transitional Housing and Healing  Program when a unit becomes available. 

This coordinated process makes sure that units go to people with the greatest need and  highest risk, instead of being based on who hears about the program first or who can  self-advocate the loudest.  

Stays are time-limited but flexible:  

• Some units are for shorter-term stabilization (a few months).  
• Others are for longer-term transition (up to about a year), depending on your  needs and progress.  

You and your case manager will review your plan regularly and work toward moving  into longer-term housing in the community. 

We aim for a safe, respectful, and healing environment. Key expectations include:  

• Respecting other residents, staff, and property
• No violence, threats, or harassment  
• Following guest policies, curfews, and quiet hours 
• Following substance-use and safety guidelines for the building; we are a sober  living facility  
• Participating in regular check-ins with staff and working on your housing and  healing goals  

If problems come up, staff will work with you on problem-solving and support first, but  serious or repeated violations can lead to discharge. 

The program is recovery-oriented, not “perfect-behaviour” based.  

• You must be willing to work on safety and stability and follow building rules  about substance use and conduct.  
• Staff can help you connect with detox, treatment, or harm-reduction supports if  you choose. 

Each resident is connected with a Case Manager who:  

• Helps you create a plan for housing, income, health, healing, and other goals  
• Assists with ID, benefits, appointments, and housing applications  
• Connects you to mental health, addictions, health care, legal supports, cultural  services, and community programs  
•  Checks in regularly and supports you through crises and transitions

Staff are on site 24/7 for safety and support.  

Yes. We work with Indigenous partners and Elders to offer:  

• Access to culture and ceremony (e.g., Elders, sharing circles, teachings)  
• Support to reconnect with identity, language, community, and land  • Services that recognize the impacts of colonization, residential schools, and  systemic racism  

Our goal is to create a culturally safe, trauma-informed space for all residents.  

No. Staying in transitional housing does not remove you from community housing  systems.  

• Your status on the By-Name List and other housing lists continues.  
• Staff will work with you and community partners to move you into longer-term  housing when you are ready.