Brandon Launches Transitional Housing for Men Exiting Incarceration

A non-profit organization in Brandon, Canada, is set to open a new transitional housing facility specifically designed for men transitioning out of incarceration or those facing homelessness. The initiative focuses on providing support for individuals released from the Brandon Correctional Centre, those needing a Corrections Canada halfway house, and men moving from homelessness to independent living.

According to Ross Robinson, executive director of the John Howard Society of Brandon, this facility will be the first of its kind in southwestern Manitoba’s largest city. Robinson emphasized the goal of helping residents achieve stable, clean, and sober living while equipping them with essential life skills and support.

Facility Details and Operations

The new building, which cost $11 million to construct, will provide 24 transitional housing units located on 16th Street N. The funding for the project came from multiple sources, including government contributions and local fundraising efforts. Robinson announced that the John Howard Society aims to begin accepting residents by the end of February 2025.

The facility includes 16 second-floor units with private bedrooms and washrooms, designed for short-term stays of approximately three to four months. In addition, eight third-floor units equipped with kitchens and private showers will accommodate residents for longer stays of a year or more. The building will operate around the clock, staffed by approximately 20 to 25 employees, including case managers who will work closely with residents to develop individualized plans and connect them with community resources.

Addressing Homelessness and Indigenous Representation

The need for transitional housing in Brandon is underscored by concerns raised by Rebecca Anhalt, a senior data analyst with the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System. Anhalt noted a rise in chronic homelessness in the city, particularly among Indigenous men and those recently released from correctional facilities. “People are discharged into homelessness and then they have no income, they have no resources,” she stated, highlighting the cyclical nature of homelessness that often leads individuals back into the corrections system.

The transitional housing initiative is seen as a significant step toward breaking this cycle. Anhalt pointed out that previous success with women’s transitional housing units opened in 2024 demonstrated that adequate resources and support can lead to positive outcomes. The new facility prioritizes those most at risk through referrals and a targeted placement process, with a questionnaire set to launch in February to assess individual housing needs.

Carla McDonald, the transitional housing director at the John Howard Society, emphasized the importance of cultural programming and community connections. Partnerships are being forged with local organizations, such as the Brandon Friendship Centre, to provide Indigenous spiritual and cultural support, as the program expects a high representation of Indigenous residents. McDonald expressed hope that the housing facility would help residents reconnect with their identities and foster healing.

The success of this initiative will be measured by the residents’ ability to secure stable housing, gain employment, and re-engage with the community. McDonald described the transitional housing as a unique opportunity for Brandon, stating, “There’s not a lot for single people just coming out of unfortunate situations… People are ready to grow and heal, and supporting them on their new journey is going to be exciting.”

As the John Howard Society prepares to welcome its first residents, there is optimism that this facility will provide the necessary support and resources to help men in Brandon transition successfully into independent living.