Youth shelter in Kitchener moving to new location this fall

A downtown Kitchener shelter is moving to a new location. 

'One Roof Youth Services' will be leaving its current home on Queen Street this fall. 

CEO Sandy Dietrich-Bell said the search for a new facility began well before the current building was put up for sale. 

“We knew that we were out of space, we knew that we weren't able to address some of the gaps that our 30 years of experience have shown us are relevant. So we knew that we needed to get looking, and it wouldn't be a quick search. So we started almost two years ago, and we were looking for something that would accomodate our existing programs and help us expand to the point that we have envisioned and is part of our strategic plan – which is an actual youth-specifc hub.”

Dietrich-Bell said they're hoping to move into the new headquarters at King and Sheldon by the end of September, and they'll then begin renovations. 

“We will be renovating the existing structures and move in with our existing programs and services, and while we're there we will work toward getting the proper permits and build an addition. Then we'll move to Phase Two, which would include two additional structures being built that would accomodate supportive living and supportive living for youth.”

One Roof currently offers a number of services – including a 17-bed co-ed shelter, an outreach program, and drop-in services.