New Emergency Shelter in Waterloo

New Emergency Shelter Provider Will Operate in YW Frederick Street Location

Region of Waterloo welcomes Services and Housing in the Province (SHIP), a new service provider in Waterloo Region who will begin operating an emergency shelter for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the YW’s 84 Frederick St Emergency Shelter building community room space later this fall.

It is anticipated that this Emergency Shelter will support up to 50 men for up to one year. This Emergency Shelter will first operate as an overnight shelter and in the second phase will operate 24/7 once staffing and operational plans are in place. SHIP will offer people using the shelter drop-in space during the day to support housing plans and service connections.

“We are pleased to be working with SHIP as we work to expand our Emergency Shelter program as part of our Interim Housing Solutions strategy,” said Kelly-Anne Salerno, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and Administration. “Housing Services staff are finalizing the operational details and agreements with the YW and SHIP. The goal is to open this Emergency Shelter location as quickly as possible in response to the urgent need in our community.”

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a non-profit, accredited housing and health service provider.  For almost 30 years, SHIP has been delivering services to communities in the Greater Toronto Area and is one of the largest supportive housing providers in Ontario.

“We know that people experiencing homelessness deserve a dignified place to shelter.  This location will provide shelter as well as access to important services to help with the transition to more permanent housing solutions.  As an organization we are committed to ensuring that those experiencing homelessness will receive services that are safe and dignified,” said Lina Termini, Director of Congregate and Emergency Housing at Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP).

“SHIP welcomes this opportunity in support of the Frederick St Emergency Shelter and the stability and safety it will bring for people experiencing homelessness or struggling with other health challenges. We want to express our gratitude to the Region of Waterloo for making this work a priority and bringing this vitally important support to the community,” says Lesley Nagoda, Chief Executive Officer at Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP).

The YW space was previously used as a temporary emergency shelter to accommodate winter overflow. The arrangements between the Region, SHIP and the YW now allow for longer-term space operations.

“YW is always open to partnering with the community and agencies in responding to the growing and complex needs of folks experiencing homelessness,” said Abla Tsolu, Director of Homelessness and Housing Services, YW Kitchener-Waterloo. “It is a great honour to enter into this partnership with SHIP so we can continue to offer a low-barrier shelter for men in this community.”

Regional staff will provide more information and updates as the plans and agreements are finalized.