Region’s only women’s homeless shelter opening in Cambridge

When YW Kitchener Waterloo (YWKW) sold its shelter building at 84 Frederick St. in Kitchener over the summer, the region lost its only emergency shelter for women and gender-diverse individuals, experiencing homelessness.

At the time, YWKW said it was selling the property as a first step in establishing a network of smaller shelters across the area.

But, that left a void in services that will now be filled by a new temporary emergency facility in Grace Bible Church (GBC) at 2 Grand Ave. S, in Cambridge.

YWCA Cambridge will operate the 20-bed shelter on a 24/7 basis.

“When Grace Bible Church congregation moved into their building in downtown Galt, we wanted to be a gospel church that served the needs of our local neighbourhood and community,” said Pastor David Robinson in a press release from the region.

That release said by partnering with GBC, YWCA Cambridge will have more time to locate a new permanent location.

“We are thrilled to have made it to the point of being ready to open our doors and offer a safer, warm place for unhoused women in Cambridge and North Dumfries to go,” said YWCA Cambridge CEO, Kim Decker in that same release.

The shelter will also offer mental health and physical health services as part of its wraparound support; provided by community partners.

“There is a strong and vibrant network of social services in Cambridge, but a women’s emergency homeless shelter has been sorely lacking for too long,” said Decker.

Funding for the shelter was allocated in the region’s 2024 budget through the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. That funding was extended in the 2025 spending plan.

Regional Chair, Karen Redman said “We know there is much still to do, but the Region of Waterloo will continue working alongside community partners to improve how we shelter and support people experiencing homelessness.”

YWCA Cambridge Emergency Homeless Shelter for women and gender diverse individuals will open Monday, Feb 24.