Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing
Emergency shelters are a safe place for people to stay while they work to find stable housing. The Region of Waterloo provides funding to eight shelters in Waterloo Region.
If you are at risk of losing your home, explore all of your options before turning to a shelter. Some options include applying for financial help or talking with someone who can help.
Pocket card of shelters, services and outreach
Keep a list of locations and contact information for shelters, drop-in programs, food resources and street outreach with you when you need it with this pocket card.
Emergency shelters in Waterloo Region
If you need emergency shelter, call First Connect at 519-624-9133 (24/7).
Families, call 519-749-2450 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday).
You can view emergency shelter options in the list below, organized by city. It includes information about who each shelter serves, as well as amenities on site and in the neighbourhood.
Each shelter receiving funding from the Region is part of a coordinated system. We work together to help people find a safe and appropriate place to stay, which may or may not include a shelter.
Cambridge |
The Bridges Shelter (Cambridge Shelter Corporation), 26 Simcoe Street, Cambridge
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Kitchener |
Edith Mac Shelter, 104 Stirling Avenue South, Kitchener
King Street Shelter, 1668 King Street, Kitchener
OneROOF Youth Services Shelter, 35 Sheldon Avenue North, Kitchener
Out of the Cold Shelter (SHIP), 84 Frederick Street, Kitchener
Safe Haven Emergency Shelter, 41 Weber Street West, Kitchener
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Waterloo |
Erbs Road Shelter, 1001 Erbs Road, Waterloo
House of Friendship ShelterCare, 190 Weber Street North, Waterloo
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Interim Housing and Transitional Housing
Interim Housing and Transitional Housing provide access to housing that is time limited and serves to promote housing stability. The Region provides funding to three transitional housing providers.
Marillac Place |
Marilla Place provides transitional housing to women aged 16+ who are pregnant, have a child under 24 months in their care, or who are attempting to regain care of their child.
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Urban Native Transitional Housing (KWUNWP) |
Urban Native Transitional Housing provides transitional housing for individuals who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit – Status and Non-Status). Supports are provided 24 hours/day, 7 days/week with staff onsite.
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Service & Housing In the Province (SHIP) |
SHIP provides transitional housing and supports for individuals and couples. Supports are provided 24 hours/day, 7 days/week with staff onsite.
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Relief from heat, cold or poor air quality
Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces are buildings in the region that provide space for the public to get temporary relief from heat, cold, or poor air quality.
Find a Warming, Cooling or Clean Air Space
In response to urgent needs, the Region of Waterloo and community partners have opened two overnight warming centres:
298 Lawrence Avenue in Kitchener in partnership with Thresholds Homes and Supports
- up to 20 male-identifying individuals (18+ years)
- 7:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily
- Call 519-576-5009 during operating hours to confirm availability
6 Cambridge Street in Cambridge in partnership with Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services
- up to 30 female-identifying and gender diverse individuals (18+ years)
- 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily
- Call 519-321-5090 ext. 267 during operating hours to confirm availability
Drop-in programs
Drop-ins provide a range of services that may include food, healthcare, showers, laundry, information and referrals, and social and recreational activities to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Cambridge |
Cambridge Vineyard, 147 Elgin Street North, Cambridge
MACS (Multi-Agency Community Space), 150 Main Street, Cambridge
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Kitchener |
Ray of Hope Community Centre, 659 King Street East, Kitchener
St. John's Kitchen Drop-in Centre, 23 Water Street North, Kitchener
SJK Drop-in Centre, 87 Victoria Street North, Kitchener
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Waterloo |
First United Church Drop-in, 16 William Street West, Waterloo
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Food help and meals
If you or your household needs emergency food help, needs more information about how to get food, or needs a food hamper delivered, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region can help.
Call the Food Bank's Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line at 519-743-5576 extension 340. The phone line is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and closed on holidays and weekends. If you leave a message, they’ll get back to you within one business day.
Find emergency food help or a meal
Outreach services
Street Outreach workers connect with individuals experiencing homelessness to provide support needs, assist with housing plans, and refer to other resources.
- Kitchener/Waterloo Street Outreach (The Working Centre): Call 519-577-2095 or 519-503-8926
- Cambridge Street Outreach (ACCKWA and Sanguen Health): Call 519-778-2952 or 519-778-4677
- Youth Street Outreach (oneROOF): Call 519-505-6623 or 519-496-8788
Welcome Spaces
The Region of Waterloo offers in-person support at three Welcome Space locations for people who need to access certain Community Services programs, such as Ontario Works, Child Care Subsidy, Employment Support and Housing Services. Learn more about Welcome Spaces.
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