Temporary Shelters Extended to End of June

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo has extended its partnerships with St. Andrew’s Church and the YW to ensure ongoing supports for those experiencing homelessness to the end of June 2022.

The shelters were opened to address increased need over the winter months due to extreme temperatures and COVID-19 and had been scheduled to close at the end of April.

The Region of Waterloo provides funding to seven shelters in Waterloo Region as part of a coordinated housing stability system. The Emergency Shelter Program provides a safe, temporary place where people can stay while they work to find housing and offers immediate access when people have no other safe and appropriate place to stay. Participants receive services provided by community partners to meet basic needs and help them move forward with the next steps in their individualized Housing Plan.

As part of Regional Council’s commitment to increasing housing supports, the Region of Waterloo is investing $150 million in 2022 to support residents facing the greatest barriers and to build more affordable homes while improving shelter capacity.

This includes an investment of almost $30 million to fund supports for those experiencing homelessness. The Region’s investments in housing and homelessness are supported by a housing levy of $5.8 million approved as part of the 2022 Budget.

For more information on the Region’s Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing, visit https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/emergency-shelters-and-transitional-housing.aspx 

Quotes :

“We continue to work closely with our community partners on a system-wide, recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness. This is a complex issue that calls for a coordinated community approach as well as the support of all levels of government. The extension of these temporary shelter spaces plays a key role to support unsheltered individuals as we help them to transition to permanent housing .” 

-Councillor Jim Erb, Chair of Housing and Homelessness Steering Committee

“We know there is a significant and growing need in our community to address the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. The YW Temporary Emergency Shelter on Frederick Street was created for single men over the age of 25 who specifically have had difficulty accessing the other shelters. As one of the Region’s community partners, we are committed to supporting access to emergency, affordable and supportive housing programs.”

-Elizabeth Clarke, CEO of YW

“We have faced incredible pressures in the shelter system over a very challenging winter. COVID-19, mental health challenges, the lack of affordable housing options, combined with the rising risk of a highly toxic drug supply have created an unprecedented situation. The extension of these temporary shelters, along with the care and support that people receive in our shelters, is vital as we work together to find solutions to the issues facing our community.” 

-Stephanie Mancini, The Working Centre

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