Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba

What Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba does

IRCOM (the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc.) is a registered Canadian charity (#128429537 RR0001) founded in 1991 and headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It operates an integrated settlement model that pairs affordable transitional housing (Rent Geared to Income under Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation sponsorship) with ten wrap-around programs: After School Programs, Asset & Capacity Building (Saving Circle, IDA, Access to Benefits, Immigration Loan Repayment), Child Care, Common Ground/Stronger Voices (reconciliation), Community Resource Program, Early Childhood Development Hub, Greening Program, Newcomer Literacy Initiative, and Volunteer & Community Services. Two physical assets — IRCOM Ellen (64 units, opened 1991) and IRCOM Isabel (48 units, opened 2016) — provide transitional housing for up to three years to immigrant and refugee families with children under 18, capped at households of 2-9 people and recent arrival (within six months) in Winnipeg. Last reported beneficiaries include 111 housed families, ~500 newcomers assisted annually through the Community Resource Program, 60+ adult literacy learners, 4,280 home visits, 4,590 referrals, 1,910 childcare hours, and 6,100 drop-ins; tenants originate from 23+ nations and staff speak 20-35 languages.

IRCOM's business model is non-commercial and is funded through a diversified mix of public and private sources rather than pricing. Federal funders include Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada; provincial funding flows through Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation and the Province of Manitoba (Families, Education and Training, Justice, Municipal Relations); municipal funding is provided by the City of Winnipeg; and CMHC supports affordable-housing initiatives. Philanthropic support arrives via United Way of Winnipeg, The Winnipeg Foundation, multiple Jewish and family foundations (Chipman Family Foundation Fund, Graham C. Lount Family Foundation, Zita and Mark Bernstein Family Foundation), corporate sponsors (Assiniboine Credit Union, IG Wealth Management, BellMTS, RBC Advice Centre), and individual donor campaigns processed through donorperfect.net and CanadaHelps. The organization uses approximately 80 staff and a large volunteer base (10,590 documented volunteer hours), accessing clients via settlement-agency referrals (WELARC, Manitoba Start, WelcomePlace, Immigrant Centre Manitoba), housing applications, and community outreach across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, website, newsletter, and signature events such as Summer Celebration and Meet the Neighbours BBQ.

There is no proprietary technology platform at the core of the offering — no app, no API, no patents, and no AI/ML capability disclosed — making this a service-intensive operating model whose 'product' is human delivery of housing-plus-settlement services rather than software. Governance is provided by an 11-person Board of Directors; executive leadership transitioned in August 2021 when Shereen Denetto returned to IRCOM as Executive Director. The organization is regulated under Canadian charitable and Manitoba housing law, with audited financials (mentioned as annual reports on ircom.ca) not public in the input data, and operates within Manitoba only.

Name

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba

Legal name

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc.

Website

https://ircom.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

IRCOM is a Winnipeg-based registered charity, founded in 1991, that provides affordable transitional housing (112 units across two buildings) plus ten wrap-around settlement, education, childcare, financial-literacy, and reconciliation programs to immigrant and refugee families in Manitoba, funded primarily by federal, provincial and municipal governments and institutional donors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Settlement & Transitional Housing Services

NAICS

Other Residential Care Facilities (6239), Community Housing Services (62422), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)

akta.pro primary industry

Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities (HLADAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO), Affordable Rental & Multifamily Housing Finance Programs (LIHTC/Tax Credits/Subsidized Loans) (FSALAKAF), Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Housing Programs (FSALAKAO)

Keywords

• Newcomer settlement services
• Refugee transitional housing
• Affordable housing programs
• English literacy training
• Immigrant family services

Headquarters

HQ city

Winnipeg

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: IRCOM receives funding from federal government (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; Employment and Social Development Canada), provincial government (Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation, Province of Manitoba Families, Education and Training, Justice, Municipal Relations), and municipal government (City of Winnipeg).
2. Charitable Donations: IRCOM receives donations from individual donors, foundations (Winnipeg Foundation, Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Chipman Family Foundation Fund, Graham C. Lount Family Foundation, Zita and Mark Bernstein Family Foundation), corporations (Assiniboine Credit Union, IG Wealth Management, BellMTS, RBC Advice Centre), and charitable campaigns (CanadaHelps, United Way of Winnipeg, The Winnipeg Foundation).
3. Donations: IRCOM solicits donations via its website (donorperfect.net platform) and through community fundraising events. Donations support programs and services for newcomer families.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

IRCOM operates a single, integrated newcomer settlement model combining subsidized transitional housing in two Winnipeg residential buildings (112+ suites) with a portfolio of wrap-around community programs. Services include English literacy classes for adults, after-school and youth programming, licensed childcare and an early childhood development hub, financial literacy and matched-savings programs, community resource referrals, truth-and-reconciliation programming with Indigenous communities, a community gardening initiative, and volunteer coordination. Programs are provided free of charge to newcomer families; housing rent is geared to income under Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation's RGI program.

Product overview

IRCOM is a non-profit charitable organization that operates a holistic settlement support system for newcomer families to Canada. The organization offers a single, integrated model combining affordable transitional housing with comprehensive wrap-around programs and services for parents and children. The core offering consists of housing (IRCOM House - two residential buildings) paired with ten distinct community programs: After School Programs, Asset & Capacity Building Programs, Child Care Program, Common Ground Stronger Voices (reconciliation), Community Resource Program, Early Childhood Development Hub, Greening Program, Newcomer Literacy Initiative, and Volunteer & Community Services Program. This portfolio creates a one-stop supportive environment where newcomer families receive housing, education, financial literacy, childcare, and community connection services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IRCOM House Transitional Housing Subsidized transitional housing for newcomer families to Canada for up to three years, operating two buildings in Winnipeg: IRCOM Ellen (64 units, 2-3 bedroom apartments) at 95 Ellen Street and IRCOM Isabel (48 units, 2-4 bedroom apartments) at 215 Isabel Street. Rent is geared to tenant income under Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation's RGI program and includes fridge, stove, heat, electricity, and water. Families of 2-9 people are accommodated.
• After School Programs Educational and recreational programs for newcomer children ages 6-12 and youth under 19 (or under 21 if in school), including homework support, literacy programs, sports, children's program, youth program, employment program, and the Homework and Education for Youth (HEY) program. In 2024-25, 21 youth were awarded $11,000 in scholarships. Operated in partnership with Winnipeg School Division, with summer camps run through the Youth Agencies Alliance.
• Asset & Capacity Building Programs Financial empowerment programs for low-income newcomer households including the Saving Circle Program (3:1 matched savings), Individual Development Account (IDA) Program (2:1 matched savings), Immigration Loan Repayment Program, and Access to Benefits (A to B) Program. Supports asset building for furniture, education, small business, and medical expenses.
• Child Care Program On-site childcare services provided to newcomer parents with small children so that parents can attend English classes and workshops while their children are in safe, nurturing, learning environments.
• Common Ground, Stronger Voices Truth and reconciliation program building authentic partnerships between Indigenous peoples and newcomer communities through initiatives including the Common Ground Concert with sakihiwē festival, Cold City Warm Hearts with Rossbrook House, and Land Based Learning with Mount Carmel Clinic. In 2024-25, partnered with 15 organizations to engage over 2,000 participants.
• Community Resource Program Life-skills and capacity-building program connecting immigrants, refugees, and refugee claimants with resources, support services, community linkages, training, and referrals to help clients live independently in Canada. Drop-in office hours open to any newcomer; assists close to 500 newcomers annually.
• Early Childhood Development Hub Newcomer-focused childcare hub offering 20 licensed childcare and respite spaces (4 infant and 16 preschool) operated in partnership with Freight House Early Learning and Care, along with weekly parenting programs and individualized home visits. An Abecedarian Inspired Child Care Centre.
• Greening Program Community gardening initiative utilizing balcony and garden plot spaces for tenants to grow vegetables and herbs from Canada and their home countries, with seasonal produce fairs.
• Newcomer Literacy Initiative (NLI) Adult English as an Additional Language (EAL) literacy classes for immigrants and refugees who cannot access mainstream programs, offering 4 Phase I classes (Foundations and CLB 1-2 levels) serving over 60 adult learners with on-site childcare. Students referred through WELARC.
• Volunteer & Community Services Program Volunteer coordination program connecting community volunteers from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to support newcomer services, including classroom assistants, childcare assistants, children's program assistants, homework tutors, and receptionists. In 2024-25, contributed 10,590 volunteer hours.

Quantifiable outcome

• 21 youth awarded $11,000 in scholarships from After School Program in 2024-25
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary and core.

• sākihiwē festivalsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFourth-year partnership bringing Common Ground Concert to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and newcomer families. Free festival with music, dance performances, Métis fiddle, and free BBQ.
• Freight House Early Learning & CaresecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing 20 licensed childcare and respite spaces (4 infant and 16 pre-school) at the IRCOM Early Childhood Development Hub.
• Ka Ni KanichihksecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous organization partnership for youth education activities supporting truth and reconciliation between Indigenous and newcomer communities.
• Rossbrook HousesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Cold City, Warm Hearts program bringing Indigenous and newcomer youth together for winter activities.
• Mount Carmel ClinicsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Land Based Learning programming connecting Indigenous and newcomer communities.
• Youth Agencies AlliancesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerIRCOM is a member in good standing participating in programming including Rotary Leadership Circle Program, summer camps and collective programs.
• WELARC (Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral partner for Newcomer Literacy Initiative. All NLI students must be referred through WELARC after English language assessment.
• Winnipeg School DivisionsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting literacy goals for IRCOM children. Staff work with schools using same assessment program. Dufferin School partnership for co-hosted parenting program.
• Red River CollegesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with nursing students to provide health fairs on variety of topics for IRCOM community.
• University of ManitobasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research and educational programming including WISE-KidNetic Energy program.
• University of WinnipegsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research, educational programming, and volunteer placements.
• Manitoba StartsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSettlement agency partner providing referral connections for newcomer services.
• Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (WelcomePlace)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSettlement agency partner providing referral connections for refugee services.
• Immigrant Centre ManitobasecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSettlement agency partner providing referral connections for immigrant services.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• COSTI Immigrant Services: Large Greater Toronto Area settlement agency offering settlement, language, employment, and housing-related services. Comparable to IRCOM as a multi-service newcomer provider, though operating at much larger scale in a different region.
• YMCA Newcomer Services (various Canadian chapters): Multiple YMCA branches across Canada deliver newcomer settlement, language, and integration programming. Comparable in service mix but operated as part of a much broader national portfolio.

Direct peers

• Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Toronto (JIAS): Toronto-based refugee and immigrant settlement agency offering housing, language, and employment services. Comparable integrated model serving newcomers.
• Matthew House Toronto: Provides transitional housing and settlement support to refugees in Toronto. Directly comparable in the housing-plus-settlement model to IRCOM, but Toronto-focused.
• Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria: Victoria, BC newcomer agency offering settlement, language training, and community integration services with similar breadth to IRCOM.
• Sojourn House Toronto: Provides refugee housing and resettlement support in Toronto. Directly comparable transitional housing + settlement support focus.
• Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS): Calgary-based newcomer settlement organization providing housing, language training, employment, and integration services. Closest functional analogue to IRCOM's wraparound model in another Canadian gateway city.
• Culture Link (Toronto): Settlement agency serving newcomers in Toronto with focus on community connections, youth, and seniors. Comparable newcomer programming model in a different geography.
• Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS): Nova Scotia's largest immigrant-serving agency offering settlement, language, employment, and community connection programs. Directly comparable scope of newcomer services to IRCOM.

Regional players

• Manitoba Start: Winnipeg-based newcomer employment and settlement services organization. Local peer operating in the same market, with overlap on settlement referral pathways (IRCOM lists Manitoba Start as a referral partner).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ircominc
• Instagraminstagram.com/ircominc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba