The Inn (Inn Out of the Cold) St. Thomas-Elgin
The Inn is the emergency homeless shelter for St. Thomas and Elgin County. It gives safe overnight shelter, meals, clothing, mental health and addiction support, harm-reduction services, and health care, and staff help you with ID, housing applications, and applying for Ontario Works.
What you get
Free local help
Who it's for
People 16 years or older from St.
This takes you to the official website
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I am looking for housing help. Can you tell me if this program fits my situation, what documents I need, and whether there is anyone who can help me apply?”
If no one answers, leave your name and number slowly, then try 211 while you wait.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- People 16 years or older from St
- Thomas and Elgin County who have no permanent home
- If you are outside the service area, staff can refer you to 211 for other options
What to do next
Check off each step as you go — we'll remember where you are.
Checkmarks are saved only on this device. We collect nothing.
The fine print
More details about the money
Free emergency shelter and supports.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
People 16 years or older from St. Thomas and Elgin County who have no permanent home. If you are outside the service area, staff can refer you to 211 for other options.
Good to know
Phone 519-637-9898 (24/7 line), address 10 Princess Ave. N5R 3V2, eligibility (16+, St. Thomas and Elgin County, no permanent address), the 24/7 operation, and the supports (food, clothing, mental health/addiction support, harm reduction, health care, help with ID/housing/Ontario Works) confirmed on the shelter's own About page. The specific '40 beds plus 15 overflow' count was NOT stated on the official page, so it was removed from benefit_amount; confirm the current bed count with the shelter. This is the main emergency-shelter entry point for the area.
Official sources we checked
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