Helping those in need since 1981
Who We Are
Neighbours helping neighbours in Sarnia-Lambton for more than 40 years. Here’s how we got here, and why we’re still needed.
What Guides Us
Our mission
To provide service with dignity to those in need of food, shelter, and other essentials.
Our vision
To help break the cycle of poverty in our community.
Our values
- Dignity First
- Community-Centered
- Compassion with Accountability
- Hope in Action
- Integrity & Transparency
- Inclusivity & Belonging
- Consistency & Reliability
Why The Inn Still Exists
When The Inn first started, like so many other food banks, it was thought to be a temporary measure. It was the early ’80s, a severe recession was raging and thousands were losing their jobs. It was felt that once the economy got better, we wouldn’t need the food bank and soup kitchen any more.
More than 40 years later, The Inn is still here, with a much greater range of programs. They’re built around helping households with the challenges of poverty: getting by day to day, but not being able to handle life’s everyday crises like back to school expenses, birthdays, Christmas, illness, or getting the car fixed to get to that part-time job.
Families are more spread out
With children or parents in other parts of the country, family help isn’t just around the corner. When someone struggles, they now rely on the community.
Assistance barely covers rent
That leaves little or nothing for food, clothing or other essentials, making the food bank or soup kitchen a necessity, a means for survival.
Work is less certain
Many people live pay cheque to pay cheque with no certainty about their hours, too often having to choose between rent, food or health.
Debt is harder to escape
With buy now, pay later everywhere, a job loss can mean major debt, and it takes much longer to get out of debt than it does to get into it.
That backpack of school supplies, the hot meal, the fresh vegetables, the tax clinic, a warm coat: they all represent a caring community standing up against poverty. This represents dignity and hope.
Over the Years
From a church basement to a network of support across Sarnia-Lambton.
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1981
Where it all began
We started in the basement of St. John’s Anglican Church on Devine Street, but it wasn’t long before the services and need outgrew the space.
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1982
A move to Cromwell Street
The food bank, soup kitchen and clothing depot operated here, and a small housing program started, providing some rooms to house folks.
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1985
St. John’s House for Boys
Opened on Christina Street, providing accommodation for male teens who were homeless.
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1988
Room to grow
The food bank, soup kitchen and administration offices relocated to Davis Street. Our Genesis Program moved to the basement and garage of St. John’s House for Boys on Queen Street, and we opened Bethany House for Girls, also on Queen Street.
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2002
All under one roof
As the need grew, The Inn took possession of the former Devine Street United Church. The Church sold the property to The Inn for $1, and with renovations, the food bank, soup kitchen, Genesis and outreach programs located together.
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2003
The Haven opens
Our youth shelter consolidated St. John’s House and Bethany House into one program and location.
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2010
The Good Shepherd’s Lodge
After 3 years of capital campaign and construction, the Lodge opened on Confederation Street with a 25-bed emergency shelter and 5-unit Transitional Housing Program.
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Today
Still here, every day
A food bank, soup kitchen, two shelters, a mobile market and so much more, all made possible through community support.
Where You’ll Find Us
For the vast majority of folks, they don’t want to come to us for assistance, but circumstances, often beyond their control, have led them to our doors. We all want to be able to support ourselves and our families, so it’s a difficult step to ask for help. That makes treating people with dignity and respect even more important.
Your Caring Hands at Work
None of this happens without you. Here’s a look at what community support makes possible.
Back to School
- 1,200 backpacks distributed in partnership with Temple Baptist Church.
- Thanks to our sponsors: Catherine Wilson Foundation, Golden K Kiwanis, Suncor, Manley’s and Staples.
Mobile Market
- 8,500 pounds of fresh veggies distributed throughout Sarnia-Lambton.
- 18 locations each week, July through October.
Summer Snack Packs
- 340 children served for 9 weeks at 18 locations through Lambton County.
- Filling the nutrition gap when schools are out.
Christmas
- Adopt-A-Family: over 500 families sponsored and over 1,200 children’s wishes granted.
- Inn Out of the Cold Family Dinner: sponsored by Imperial, The Dante Club and McDonald’s.
- Singles Christmas at The Inn Dinner: sponsored by County of Lambton Shared Services staff.
- Children’s Christmas Party: sponsored by Seaway Kiwanis, Cestar Group and Cabot.
Board of Directors
Liz Koetsier
Chair
Sherri Crowley
Past Chair
Marg Dragan
Treasurer
Christine Marshall
Secretary
Madison Goodacre
Director
Tim Edgar
Director
Pastor Steve Swarath
Director
Kyle Hertner
Director
Jack Christine
Executive Director
See Where Your Support Goes
We’re a registered Canadian charity, and we believe you should be able to see what your generosity does. Read the stories and the numbers for yourself.
Charitable Tax Registration Number: 13131 2092 RR0001
Territorial acknowledgement
We acknowledge that Sarnia-Lambton is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg peoples, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations, who are collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We recognize the enduring presence, contributions, and stewardship of Indigenous peoples throughout this region and across Turtle Island. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and serve within this community, and we remain committed to learning, respect, and reconciliation.