Waterloo Region – YWCA Cambridge has secured a location for a new, temporary emergency shelter for women at Grace Bible Church in Cambridge. Following approval from Regional Council in the 2024 budget process, the YWCA has been actively searching for a location for their emergency shelter. After an extensive search throughout the community, Grace Bible Church has offered their space to host this important community service on a temporary basis.
Grace Bible Church, located at 2 Grand Ave S, Cambridge, is located in the downtown area, close to important services, and offers much needed space for women experiencing homelessness in Cambridge and in the region.
“Grace Bible Church is thankful for the opportunity to work with the YWCA and the Region of Waterloo to provide a safe space for the Women’s Emergency Shelter for Unhoused Women. Recognizing the need within our local community, we believe this is both an answer to prayer and a practical way to care,” said Byron Burton, Associate Pastor, Church Ministries.
Based on the findings in Project Willow, which YWCA Cambridge co-led, the need for dedicated shelter space for women is great. The study found that women who are experiencing homelessness don’t often come forward for fear of violence, family situations involving children, or feelings of shame.
“A women’s emergency homeless shelter has been so desperately needed in Cambridge,” said YWCA Cambridge CEO, Kim Decker. “Women deserve a safe and supportive place to go when they’re experiencing what’s often the worst and most traumatic time of their lives. We’re incredibly grateful for this important partnership with the Region of Waterloo and Grace Bible Church, and for the overwhelming support of other community partners and leaders.”
Experiences of homelessness continue to rise across the country, and there is a great need for more shelter spaces across the community to help address this complex issue. A new emergency shelter, specifically for women and gender diverse individuals is needed as there are no shelter spaces dedicated to women in Cambridge currently.
“It is critical to have a safe, welcoming place for women and gender-diverse individuals to access when experiencing homelessness. I want to thank Grace Bible Church for providing this much-needed space, and The YWCA Cambridge for operating the shelter and ensuring the necessary wrap-around supports are in place. Ensuring individuals experiencing homelessness have supports available to them and spaces they feel comfortable accessing is an essential first step in the housing process. Regional Council will continue working to ensure everyone has a place to call home,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman.
YWCA Cambridge will operate the 20-bed temporary emergency shelter on a 24/7 basis, including wraparound supports such as mental and physical health services through a number of partnerships with other local service providers. Regional staff will continue to support the YWCA in this process, working with them on an operational model.
About the Region of Waterloo:
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, situated in Southern Ontario, is a diverse and thriving community that encompasses the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, along with the townships of Woolwich, Wilmot, Wellesley, and North Dumfries. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the Region is dedicated to building a resilient and vibrant community for all. For more information, visit regionofwaterloo.ca.
About YWCA Cambridge:
For 75 years, YWCA Cambridge has been a leader in providing responsive programming and services that meet the changing needs of women, girls and gender-diverse individuals. As a member agency of YWCA Canada, YWCA Cambridge is part of a national movement known as the country’s oldest and largest women’s multi-service organization.
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