The INN

10/17/2026

October 17 - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The INN’s journey has been closely tied to the experiences of people experiencing poverty and homelessness in St. Thomas and Elgin County.

We have listened to their experiences, advocated for their needs, and stood beside them as they worked toward greater stability. Through it all, we have been reminded that poverty is not a reflection of a person’s worth, character, or potential.

10/16/2026

Every year, The INN serves more than 35,000 meals, and that number continues to grow. Behind each meal is a person in our community who deserves to be welcomed and treated with dignity.

Food donations are always appreciated. We accept fresh produce, canned food, non-perishable items, and food prepared in a commercial kitchen.

Whether it is a box of canned goods, fresh vegetables and fruits, or a prepared meal from a local restaurant or commercial kitchen, each donation helps us continue serving guests who rely on The INN.

10/15/2026

A safe place to rest is important, but the path toward stability often requires much more. It can begin with a warm meal, clean clothing, medical care, transportation to an appointment or someone offering support through the housing process.

The INN St. Thomas-Elgin is honoured to receive a $10,000 grant from the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation, in partnership with the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®.

This generous support will help us continue providing essential and wrap-around services for individuals aged 16 and older who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. These practical supports help people feel safe, cared for and better prepared to take their next steps toward health, stability and housing.

Thank you to the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation and LSTAR for recognizing that shelter is more than a place to stay. It is a foundation for dignity, hope and a more stable future.

10/15/2026

We are deeply grateful and honoured to receive this support.😇

For more than 30 years, local REALTORS® have been giving back to the communities they serve.

This year, LSTAR is proud to support 11 local charitable organizations through the 2026 REALTORS Care® Grant Program. Thanks to the generosity of REALTORS®, business partners, sponsors, and fundraising supporters, these grants will help organizations across London, St. Thomas, and surrounding communities continue their important work.

Learn more about this year's recipients and the impact they're making:
https://lstar.ca/articles/realtors-rally-to-support-local-charities

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁

10/12/2026

We are excited to recognize United Way Simcoe Muskoka for its generous $50,003 Capital Funding investment in The INN Shelter Enhancement Initiative!

This funding will allow us to purchase essential kitchen and operational equipment, creating a smoother workflow for our kitchen staff and volunteers and helping them prepare and serve meals more effectively.

A well-equipped kitchen strengthens our ability to care for the people who come through our doors each day. Thank you, United Way Simcoe Muskoka, for helping us create a safer, more efficient, and welcoming environment for our guests.

10/10/2026

October 10 is World Mental Health Day!

For someone experiencing homelessness, each day can bring uncertainty, interrupted sleep, concerns about personal safety, and the constant pressure of trying to meet immediate needs. Carrying that weight day after day can deeply affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being.

At The INN, we recognize the person before the circumstance. Guests are welcomed as they are and given the time, respect, and support they need to take their next step.

Sometimes, hope begins with a safe conversation and the reassurance that someone cares.

10/08/2026

When people have access to the essentials, along with compassionate and consistent support, they have a stronger foundation to move forward.

We are deeply grateful to United Way Elgin Middlesex for investing $196,000 over two years in The INN’s Pathways to Hope initiative.

This partnership will help us continue walking alongside individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, connecting them with food, essential supplies, health supports, and personalized care as they work toward greater stability and well-being.

Thank you, United Way Elgin Middlesex, for believing in this work and in the potential of every person we serve.

10/05/2026

Some struggles are easy to see. Others are carried quietly.

For a person experiencing homelessness, the uncertainty of each day can take a significant toll on their mental well-being. Past trauma, isolation, stigma, and the daily stress of not having a safe and stable home can make an already difficult situation feel even heavier.

During Mental Illness Awareness Week, we take a moment to recognize the people behind these experiences.

10/05/2026

Shelter Is Just the Beginning is a series highlighting the many ways The INN supports individuals beyond emergency shelter. From food and hygiene to healthcare, housing, income support, and community connections, we provide wraparound services that help people move from crisis to stability.

The work of The INN is made possible by the community.

Every donor, volunteer, partner, local business, service provider, and supporter plays a role in helping us provide meals, hygiene, health care access, housing support, emergency response, and hope.

When the community shows up, people in crisis are not left alone.

Join us in this work. Donate, volunteer, or share this post.

Click the link to donate: https://innelgin.ca/donate/