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Stay updated with our latest news, events, and stories of impact. From heartwarming testimonials to exciting initiatives, find inspiration here. Explore now!
December 2025: The INN Receives $15,000 from Bell Let’s Talk to Expand Mental Health and Addiction Support
The INN St. Thomas-Elgin is grateful to receive $15,000 from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Mental Health Fund in support of Healing Pathways, an ongoing initiative that expands access to mental health and addiction care for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability in St. Thomas and Elgin County.
As the only 24/7 emergency shelter in the St. Thomas-Elgin region, The INN provides inclusive, trauma-informed care for adults 16 and older. Alongside emergency shelter, meals, hygiene supports, showers, laundry, income assistance, housing navigation, and crisis intervention, The INN works closely with local partners to connect guests with mental health and addiction support.
Through Healing Pathways, guests can access weekly addiction care, counselling, treatment referrals, peer recovery meetings, virtual care options, transportation support, and housing-focused case management. This work is delivered in partnership with local mental health and healthcare providers, including Central Community Health Centre and CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services.
“Many of the people who come to The INN are carrying the weight of trauma, addiction, mental health struggles, and housing instability all at once,” said Brian Elliot, Executive Director of The INN St. Thomas-Elgin. “This support from Bell Let’s Talk helps us meet people where they are, connect them with care, and walk alongside them as they move toward stability, recovery, and hope.”
The funding will support addiction shelter services, treatment referrals, and the weekly CCHC Outreach Clinic, which provides addiction-focused care onsite at The INN. Through this initiative, guests may be connected to counselling, opioid and meth treatment, Sublocade referrals, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, stabilization referrals through The Annex, virtual mental health and addiction programs, crisis intervention, housing support, transportation assistance, and other wraparound supports
The INN St. Thomas-Elgin extends its sincere thanks to Bell Let’s Talk for investing in community-based mental health and addiction support and for helping expand access to care for vulnerable individuals in St. Thomas and Elgin County.
To learn more about Bell Let’s Talk Community Mental Health Fund recipients, click the link: Learn more about the positive impact of Bell Let’s Talk
December 2025: The INN Receives $17,000 from FCC AgriSpirit Fund to Support Kitchen Upgrades
The INN St. Thomas-Elgin is grateful to receive $17,000 from Farm Credit Canada’s FCC AgriSpirit Fund in support of The Shelter Enhancement Initiative.
This funding will help us upgrade essential commercial kitchen equipment, improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability in one of the most important spaces in our shelter. Our kitchen is truly the heart of The INN — a place where nourishment, dignity, and care come together every day.
As the only low-barrier shelter in the St. Thomas-Elgin region, The INN provides three nutritious meals daily, along with beverages and snacks, to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, food insecurity, and precarious housing. In 2024 alone, we served over 35,000 meals, and demand continues to rise each year.
Through The Shelter Enhancement Initiative, FCC’s support will help us purchase essential kitchen equipment and supplies that allow our team to store, prepare, and serve food more effectively. These upgrades will help improve workflow, maintain hygiene, reduce waste, and make mealtimes smoother for everyone we serve
This investment is about more than equipment. It is about ensuring that every person who comes through our doors has access to warm, healthy meals served with dignity and compassion.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Farm Credit Canada and the FCC AgriSpirit Fund for investing in rural communities and helping us make every meal count.
To learn more about FCC’s 2025 AgriSpirit Fund recipients, read Farm Credit Canada’s news release here:
FCC contributes $1.5 million to 81 community projects across Canada
25 April 2025: The INN Receives 2025 Unsung Heroes Award
We are deeply honoured to share that The INN, together with our valued partners at St. Thomas Police Services and City of St. Thomas Social Services, has received the 2025 Unsung Heroes Award from the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce.
This recognition highlights the collaborative efforts of our three organizations in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction in our community.
At The INN, we witness these struggles every day. Some days are tough, and it can feel like the broader community doesn’t always see the full scope of our work. But we keep going—offering hope, support, and practical solutions to those who need them most.
This award is a meaningful acknowledgment of the dedication, empathy, and passion shown by our staff, volunteers, and partners. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference.