Waterloo Region – Today, the Region and Services and Housing in the Province (SHIP) officially opened emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive housing spaces for 66 women and gender-diverse individuals.

Regional Council approved the purchase of the building at 84 Frederick Street in 2024, making a critical investment in emergency shelter and future affordable housing in downtown Kitchener. SHIP started operating an overnight emergency shelter at this location in December 2024. The Region recently completed renovations in November 2025 to add 44 new transitional and supportive housing spaces.

SHIP’s on-site services assist individuals with immediate needs such as emergency shelter, food, and clothing. Wrap-around supports include mental health and addictions support, life skills development, wellness, housing stability and tenant relations, and access to education and training opportunities.

The Region of Waterloo has invested $12.5 million into 84 Frederick through the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and the Government of Canada supported the project with an investment of $5.4 million through the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI).

Quotes

“We can build a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. Projects like this one in Kitchener tackle encampments head-on, offering both housing and critical supports. Canada’s housing crisis will truly end when everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.”

– Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga

“84 Frederick represents a significant step toward addressing the complex housing and human-service needs of women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness. This project demonstrates the impact of Regional staff and community partners aligning efforts around our community’s greatest needs. We are deeply appreciative of the federal support that has enabled this important work.”

– Karen Redman, Regional Chair

"SHIP is honoured and proud to be a part of this important project in Waterloo Region.  84 Fredrick Street will offer safety, dignity and a bridge to permanent, sustainable housing for women and gender-diverse individuals.  Without transitional housing and programs like Frederick Street, many women would be forced into untenable choices; returning to unsafe situations, remaining in crisis shelters or becoming part of hidden homelessness.”

– Thomas DiCarlo, Acting CEO, Services and Housing in the Province (SHIP)

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