Frequently Asked Questions

The YWCA Cambridge women’s emergency homeless shelter is for women and gender-diverse individuals over the age of 25 experiencing homelessness in Cambridge/North Dumfries.

Our shelter is located in the basement the church and there are approximately 10 steps down at the shelter entrance. There is an additional accessible entrance and elevator that can also be used with the support of staff (whenever possible please call us ahead of your visit – a phone number will be available once we have one!). The interior of the shelter is guided by universal standards with accessible washrooms, beds, doorways etc.

This shelter cannot accommodate children. However, the Region of Waterloo does have family shelter options available, you can access this service by calling First Connect-519-749-2450 (8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday)

We are currently developing a pet policy; please check back for more details as we near December.

This 20-bed shelter will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It will offer:

• Shared washrooms,
• Showers,
• Three meals a day with easy access to snacks,
• Locked room with spaces for storing personal items,
• On-site security
• Professional cleaning,
• Free laundry, and
• Common areas.

Working from a participant-led, strengths-based model, meaning participants are in control of the services and supports they will access. The shelter will offer wraparound supports, including mental and physical health services, life skills programming, access to mediation supports, culturally relevant supports, and transition support with housing, schooling and employment.

The current location of this emergency homeless shelter (once it is ready to open in Winter 2024/25) is Grace Bible Church downtown Cambridge.

Yes, absolutely! YWCA Cambridge aims to be a safe and welcoming space for all women and gender diverse individuals, in all of their diversity. We have strict non-discrimination policies to ensure all participants and service users are met with equitable and supportive programs and services.

No, it does not. 

No. YWCA Cambridge is a secular organization and the shelter is being operated by YWCA independently. We will do our best to support the religious and spiritual needs as well as and customs of any guests staying at the shelter.

There are so many ways you can support our women’s shelter! 

1. Make a Monetary Donation

Your financial support is crucial in helping us meet our operational needs and provide ongoing care to the women we serve: weblink.donorperfect.com/ywcacambridgewomensshelter

2. Purchase From Our Amazon Wish List

Help us stock the shelter with essential items by purchasing directly from our Amazon Wish List. Your contributions can be shipped to YWCA Cambridge head office, 102-55 Dickson Street, Cambridge, ON, N1R 7A5. Wishlist: https://a.co/2z3x8cR

3. Explore Partnership Opportunities

Do you own a business, offer a service, or have skills that could benefit our shelter? We’d love to connect and explore how we can partner to make a greater impact together. Reach out to Director of Philanthropy, Nataleigh Ballantyne, if you’d like to discuss this option: n.ballantyne@ywcacambridge.ca.

4. Host a Third Party Fundraiser 

Consider organizing a fundraising event, such as a birthday dinner, summer BBQ, or theme night, with proceeds going towards the shelter. Your creativity and passion can make a significant difference in supporting our mission. Reach out to Director of Philanthropy, Nataleigh Ballantyne, if you’d like to discuss this option: n.ballantyne@ywcacambridge.ca.

Have questions? Email us at shelter@ywcacambridge.ca

Sign up for email updates of our shelter project here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/7IRjufB

Reach out to Director of Communications and Advocacy, Roz Gunn, with any media requests: r.gunn@ywcacambridge.ca