Temporary emergency women's shelter finds home in Cambridge

A new 20-bed emergency shelter for women is coming to Cambridge.

In a news release, YWCA Cambridge said their temporary shelter will be set up at Grace Bible Church at 2 Grand River Ave. S.

The temporary 24/7 shelter will be run by YWCA Cambridge and feature wraparound supports, such as mental and physical health services.

"During their stay with us they'll get the support that they need, but also can look to moving them into supportive or permanent housing - affordable housing, once they leave the shelter," YWCA Cambridge CEO Kim Decker told CTV.

Kim Decker, the CEO YWCA Cambridge, on Aug. 13, 2024. (Ashley Bacon/CTV News)

The idea to set up a shelter received approval from Regional Council during the 2024 budget process, and the YWCA has been searching for a home ever since.

"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," Associate Pastor Byron Burton said via the release.

A YWCA Cambridge co-led study known as Project Willow identified a growing need for a dedicated women’s shelter. The study found many women experiencing homelessness don’t come forward due to fear of violence, family situations involving children or shame.

“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,” Decker said in the release.

The region will be supporting the YWCA and working with them to develop an operational model.

"We suspect that the shelter will be full right away once women know that there is a place that they can go where they're safe and they're going to get the support they need," Decker added.

Kitchener shelter

Meanwhile, Waterloo Regional Council discussed the progress of 84 Frederick St. – a proposed 66-bed women’s shelter in Kitchener.

“This is not intended to address every single challenge that we have in the shelter system and the housing stability system,” said Peter Sweeney, commissioner of community services with the Region of Waterloo. “That work is ongoing and is a central part of our plan to end chronic homelessness. This is specifically related to a specific place and time.”

Waterloo Regional Council discussed the progress of 84 Frederick St. – a proposed 66-bed women’s shelter in Kitchener. (Ashley Bacon/CTV News)

Council said the location would support single women, gender-diverse and non-binary adults.

According to council, the shelter would also be a 24/7 model where residents would be able to access support and services.

The building was purchased in June by the City of Kitchener from YWCA for $6.6 million. There is no set timeframe for when the shelter would be opened.