Starting Your New Life in Manitoba

Welcome Place

Supporting newcomers and refugee claimants in Winnipeg for over 80 years.

Welcome Place is a non-profit organization based in Winnipeg, Manitoba that supports newcomers, immigrants, and refugee claimants as they begin building their lives in Canada.

Our programs and services are designed to help individuals and families navigate settlement, housing, employment, orientation, and community connections in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Through interim housing supports, settlement services, language and employment resources, and community partnerships, Welcome Place works to help newcomers feel informed, supported, and connected as they transition into life in Manitoba.

Whether you are looking for temporary support, settlement guidance, or information about life in Winnipeg, our team is here to help you understand available services and next steps.

Interim Housing & Settlement Supports

Welcome Place provides support to help eligible newcomers and refugee claimants understand their options, access available services, and begin building stability in Manitoba.

Interim Housing Support

Temporary accommodation support may be available for eligible refugee claimants through Welcome Place’s intake process. Services are subject to availability and individual eligibility review.

Settlement Services

Support is available to help newcomers navigate life in Winnipeg, including orientation, service referrals, documentation guidance, and connections to community resources.

Employment & Community Support

Welcome Place can help connect newcomers with employment resources, language supports, community programs, and services that support long-term stability.

Why Manitoba?

Manitoba offers an affordable cost of living, welcoming communities, and opportunities for newcomers to build a successful future. Compared to many larger Canadian cities, lower housing costs, shorter commute times, and strong settlement supports can help newcomers establish themselves more quickly while remaining connected to the services they need.

Affordable Living in Winnipeg

Winnipeg offers a lower cost of living than many larger Canadian cities, helping newcomers access more affordable housing, transportation, and everyday living expenses while building stability for the future. Compared to Toronto, newcomers may save approximately $13,800 per year on housing costs, allowing families to stretch their budgets further as they build a new life in Manitoba.

Why Choose Manitoba?

✓ Housing costs significantly lower than many major Canadian cities

✓ Over 100 languages spoken throughout Winnipeg

✓ Nearly 1 in 5 Winnipeg residents is an immigrant

✓ Affordable public transportation, including the WINNpass reduced fare program

✓ Employment opportunities across many growing industries

✓ Strong newcomer communities and settlement supports

Public Transportation & Community Access

Winnipeg's public transportation system helps newcomers access employment opportunities, schools, healthcare services, and community programs throughout the city.

Eligible low-income residents may also qualify for the WINNpass program, which provides reduced transit fares and helps make transportation more affordable while settling in Manitoba.

Welcoming Communities & Support Networks

Winnipeg is home to people from around the world. More than 100 languages are spoken throughout the city, and nearly one in five residents is an immigrant. Established cultural, faith, and newcomer communities help individuals and families feel welcomed, supported, and connected as they build a new life in Manitoba.

Employment Opportunities

Manitoba offers employment opportunities across many growing industries, including manufacturing, transportation, construction, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and food processing. Combined with lower housing costs and shorter commute times, employment income can often stretch further than in many larger Canadian cities.



Welcome Place also provides employment services, referrals, and resources to help newcomers prepare for and connect with employment opportunities in Manitoba.

A Welcome Place Success Story

My Successful Asylum Journey with the Help of Welcome Place 

Welcome Place supported me through every step of the refugee claim process. They walked the journey with me till I felt stabilized. I felt a sense of belonging and my hopes and dignity were restored.

- Welcome Place Client

If you are currently living in Canada and would like to learn more about available newcomer supports and interim housing options in Manitoba, please contact Welcome Place.

A member of the Welcome Place team will discuss available services, supports, and next steps.

Refugee Claim Process Support

Navigating the Refugee Claim Process

Welcome Place supports refugee claimants throughout various stages of the refugee claim process. Our team can help individuals understand available services, connect with community resources, and access information that may assist them as they navigate their claim.

While Welcome Place does not provide legal representation, we can connect individuals with appropriate legal and community resources and provide referrals to organizations that offer immigration and refugee law services.

Support may include:

• Information about the refugee claim process
• Referrals to legal service providers
• Settlement and orientation support
• Connections to community resources
• Assistance accessing available newcomer services



Please note that legal advice and representation must be obtained through qualified legal professionals.

Still have a question?

If you would like to learn more about newcomer supports, settlement services, or available programs, our team is here to help.