What’s next for women’s homelessness services in Waterloo Region?

Homelessness services in Waterloo Region are undergoing a transition, following the closure of the YW Kitchener-Waterloo (YWKW) Women’s Shelter on Frederick Street in Kitchener.

The organization sold the property at 84 Frederick St. to the Region back in June. The facility closed June 30th, leaving dozens of clients with few options.

However, Jennifer Breaton, CEO, YWKW told The Mike Farwell Show staff and management made sure their clients were provided with a place to stay, contrary to media reports.

“From April 30 to June 30 we did intensive case management support for all of those women,” Breaton said. “I’ve heard some comments in the media that, there are sixty women and who knows where they went? I want to be very clear, I know where everyone went. We’re really proud to say that close to 40 per cent of those women found permanent housing.”

After months of discussion, the YWKW Board of Directors decided the Frederick Street facility was both over crowded and was not meeting the needs of its clients.

“When we spoke to clients over the last year, one of things I heard consistently was that by trying to serve everyone, you actually serve no one,” Breaton continued.

The new model would see two or three smaller shelters built that would accommodate specific needs, like a facility that accepts families or a low barrier shelter for women still in the midst of their addiction.

However, the process to better address the needs of each individual meant there would be a gap in services.

Karen Coviello, YWKW Board President also told The Mike Farwell Show, that was something the board was well aware of but did not take lightly.

“This plan to end homelessness can come to fruition, but it’s going to be messy. It’s going to take big bold steps and sometimes we’re not ok with big bold steps because it creates tension and discomfort.”

Coviello said the main focus of the board at this point to ensure the new model is both effective and sustainable, that will take time. So far, there is no definitive timeline for when the new shelter spaces will open.