YWCA Cambridge Emergency Homeless Shelter to Open for Women and Gender-Diverse Individuals

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo and YWCA Cambridge announced today the emergency homeless shelter at Grace Bible Church at 2 Grand Ave S. in Cambridge will open on February 24, 2025. Through the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, Regional Council approved funding for this new emergency shelter as part of the 2024 budget, with continued support in the 2025 budget.

“This new space is about providing safety and security for those who need it. Here, women and gender-diverse people can get supports and services that help them move ahead on their housing journey,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “We know there is much still to do, but the Region of Waterloo will continue working alongside community partners to improve how we shelter and support people experiencing homelessness.”

YWCA Cambridge will operate the 20-bed temporary emergency shelter on a 24/7 basis, including wraparound supports such as mental and physical health services through a number of partnerships with other local service providers.

 “We are thrilled to have made it to the point of being ready to open our doors and offer a safer, warm place for unhoused women in Cambridge and North Dumfries to go,” said YWCA Cambridge CEO, Kim Decker. “There is a strong and vibrant network of social services in Cambridge, but a women’s emergency homeless shelter has been sorely lacking for too long. This is a good news story we could all use right now.”

Grace Bible Church (GBC), located downtown, is close to other important services. The church continues to work with YWCA Cambridge and The Region to provide this much-needed space for women experiencing homelessness in Cambridge.

As GBC became aware that there were no shelters for women in Waterloo Region, they offered space in their building that would support a temporary shelter.  This partnership enables the YWCA Cambridge team to secure a long-term site.

“When Grace Bible Church congregation moved into their building in downtown Galt, we wanted to be a gospel church that served the needs of our local neighbourhood and community,” said Pastor David Robinson. “We are grateful to be able to support the amazing team of dedicated staff at YWCA Cambridge under the leadership of Kim Decker,” continued Pastor Robinson.  “Our hope and prayer is that, in sharing our space and welcoming the women to our community, they will know that we care about them and be an encouragement as they move toward finding safe and secure housing.”

For more information, visit https://www.engagewr.ca/ywcacambridgeshelter.

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About YWCA Cambridge:

For 75 years, YWCA Cambridge has been a leader in providing responsive programming and services that meet the changing needs of women, girls and gender-diverse individuals. As a member agency of YWCA Canada, YWCA Cambridge is part of a national movement known as the country’s oldest and largest women's multi-service organization. Learn more about YWCA Cambridge at ywcacambridge.ca.

About the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness:

The number of people who are currently experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region is higher than ever before. Homelessness is a complex problem with many causes. Region of Waterloo staff are working with the community to find solutions. Together, our community created the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (The Plan). The Plan is a roadmap for strategies, resources and timelines to end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region. The voice of lived expertise has been vital creating The Plan, in community, by community and for community. Learn more about The Plan at https://www.engagewr.ca/end-chronic-homelessness.