As we prepare to open Cambridge’s first women’s emergency homeless shelter, the outpouring of support from every corner of our community has been nothing short of extraordinary. From individuals to organizations, entire neighbourhoods to corporations, the collective commitment to ensuring women in our community have a safe and warm place to go this winter is both heartwarming and inspiring. It’s also affirming.

For too long, many people have assumed that, since we don’t often see as many women experiencing visible homelessness as men, they must not be experiencing homelessness at the same rates. It’s better known now that women are experiencing homelessness, but that, in order to protect themselves and stay safe from violence, they often stay hidden.

The growing recognition of this less visible crisis has given rise to an incredible movement aimed at collectively building the interventions our neighbours need and deserve. After all, these are our neighbours and when our neighbours fall through the cracks of a broken system, showing them that they’re just as much a part of this community as any homeowner or renter is just the right thing to do.

Partnerships Are Paving the Way 

The Region of Waterloo has provided unwavering support and guidance throughout this journey. Council endorsed our proposal to establish a women’s homeless shelter in Cambridge, and when we realized it would be a long time before we found a permanent solution (we’re still looking!), the Region worked with us to establish a temporary one to ensure there was somewhere safe and warm for women to go this winter.

Grace Bible Church stepped up and offered their lower level as that temporary location and has been a dedicated partner throughout this process. Regional staff have steadfastly stood by us, helping us navigate the complexities of launching a new facility that addresses urgent and complex needs in our community.

Local businesses have also risen to the occasion. Greentec, a champion of corporate responsibility, partnered with us as a matching partner, matching each donation, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000, setting the tone for other businesses to follow suit. Their leadership inspired a new matching partner, Soroptimist International of Cambridge, who has pledged another $10,000 in matching donations for every dollar raised.

The Power of Grassroots Mobilization 

In the small but mighty community of Blair, long-time resident Ann Van Norman rallied her neighbours and friends to action, raising an incredible $27,000 in just 20 days. The giving hasn’t stopped, as the Blair community continues to show what’s possible when neighbours unite around a cause.

We’re also deeply touched by the generosity of YWCA Cambridge, CEO Kim Decker’s mother, Pat Robb, who recently celebrated her 88th birthday. In lieu of gifts, she has asked for donations to support the shelter, raising more than $1,588  for the shelter.

Similarly, Rena Hawkins, member of the Cambridge Rotary Club, has encouraged her peers to get involved. Thanks to her efforts, the Rotary Club has also contributed $5,000 to this critical initiative.

A Shared Vision 

From every pocket of our community, people are stepping up and bringing others along with them. Their generosity, leadership, and creativity are helping us transform a vision into a reality. Together, we are ensuring women in our community have a safe place to turn to when they need it most.

As we move closer to opening the doors of this much-needed shelter, we are reminded that none of this would be possible without the collective strength of our community. To everyone who has contributed—whether through donations, time, or spreading the word—thank you. You are the heartbeat of this project, and we are so grateful for your support.

If you would like to join the movement for solutions to the crisis of women’s homelessness in Cambridge, consider supporting the YWCA Cambridge Emergency Women’s Shelter by making a donation here. You can Help Us Build the Place Where Hope Finds a Home.