ShelterCare in Action
The ShelterCare vision is starting to come to fruition in Waterloo Region.
House of Friendship’s Shelter, part of the Waterloo Region shelter system, is following the ShelterCare model to help men experiencing homelessness transition to housing and successfully stay housed.
In January 2022, the Province of Ontario announced $8.5 million towards the purchase of the former Comfort Inn in Waterloo, to provide a longer-term, stable location to provide the ShelterCare model. Renovations are now underway, with project updates found here: www.houseoffriendship.org/shelterupdates.
Through the ShelterCare model, individuals are provided with a range of supports, including:
- a safe and warm place to stay 24/7;
- onsite health care to address their physical, addiction and mental health needs;
- supports to address the factors that resulted in homelessness (like childhood trauma);
- staff to provide the tools and resources they need to find and maintain permanent housing.
During COVID-19, shelter programs are following Region of Waterloo Public Health protocols to keep everyone safe.
To learn more about how you can make ShelterCare a permanent reality in Waterloo Region, visit our Join Us page.