The YW Kitchener Waterloo is embarking on a new vision for our shelter. Our emergency shelter location at 84 Frederick St. is now closed and has been sold to the Region of Waterloo. The building will continue as a permanent emergency shelter and as an investment in future affordable housing in downtown Kitchener under the auspices of the Region of Waterloo.

The sale of the property allows the YW to rebuild and create a new space that will better serve women and gender diverse individuals. The new shelter model will be comprehensive with wrap-around services such as health services, mental health, substance treatment and employment assistance.

We are focused on our plan to design a bold model that not only addresses the root causes of systemic homelessness but also empowers women and provides a continuum of supports for them based on their needs.