Cambridge officially getting temporary emergency shelter for women, gender diverse people

Women and gender diverse individuals experiencing homelessness in Cambridge will soon have a safe place to stay, thanks to local advocates and community leaders who have been pushing for a shelter to be setup.

After searching in the community for a location, YWCA Cambridge has found a spot.

It was made official in a media release sent out Aug. 12 — a new emergency shelter for women is coming to Cambridge. Grace Bible Church on Grand Avenue offered up their space to host the new shelter temporarily.

YWCA Cambridge was approved to set up a 20-bed emergency, temporary shelter for women during the 2024 budget process.

The church is located downtown Galt, close to other important services that people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge utilize.

The shelter will operate on a 24/7 basis and includes wraparound supports for mental and physical health services, using partnerships YWCA Cambridge created with local service providers.

“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,” Byron Burton, Associate Pastor, Church Ministries, said in the release.

YWCA Cambridge co-led Project Willow, a study from a few years ago, that found that women experiencing homelessness usually don’t reach out for help of “fear of violence, family situations involving children, or feelings of shame.”

In the release, the CEO of YWCA Cambridge, Kim Decker said “a women’s emergency homeless shelter has been so desperately needed in Cambridge.”

Adding they are grateful for their partners at the region and Grace Bible Church.

There currently are no emergency shelter beds for women or gender diverse people in Cambridge, unless they are fleeing violence.

“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 in the release.

In a previous interview with 570 NewsRadio, Decker mentioned they are hoping to open the temporary shelter before winter starts.