Thank you to all who attended and provided feedback at the Community Meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Here’s an update from the meeting:

Housing Stability System Updates

Over the winter, the Region of Waterloo and two partners opened two overnight warming centres of people experiencing homelessness. The King Street Shelter closed on March 31, 2025, and participants were supported into alternative options. The YWCA Cambridge Shelter for women and gender diverse individuals opened earlier this year. There are a number of new affordable and supportive housing buildings coming soon across the community.

Communication

Community Advisory Committee Meetings are hosted by The Working Centre (TWC) to collaborate with community around service improvements. This group discusses concerns/feedback/service enhancements for shelter improvements. We commit to holding regular wider neighbourhood meetings for an opportunity for everyone to stay informed and have your questions answered.

Good Neighbour Policy

TWC created a Good Neighbour Policy as an action item from the last meeting in November 2024. This policy was set to effectively address behaviours and accountability of the shelter participants. The participant service agreement was also reviewed with the Community Advisory Committee. The Working Centre continue to keep a log of individuals who are leaving the site between the hours of 11pm and 7am for future reference, if needed. As a result of safety concerns, have been given high visibility gear to wear when walking along Erbs Rd.

Pets

Erbs Rd shelter has pets onsite and recently added a practice that if a participant is accepted into Erbs Rd shelter and does not currently have a pet, this individual will not be permitted to acquire a pet while staying at the shelter as pets do present difficulties when attempting to assist an individual with permanent housing.

Acuity, Mental Health and Substance Use

Some shelter participants are experiencing mental health challenges as well as substance use challenges, and present with a high level of acuity. The Working Centre is intentionally lowering acuity of mental health and substance use onsite at the level of intake.The staff are being mindful of who is accepted into the shelter and any potential complexities they may bring into the space.

Programming at the Shelter

TWC is adding more programming opportunities on and off site, including through partners like Emergency Shelter Harm Reduction Integration Initiative (ESHRII), Women’s Crisis Services, and a medical team. These partners engage participants and staff on a variety of topics and share best practices. In the last year, the shelter has supported 85 unique individuals, 18 of which have moved into housing.

Data/Statistics

WRPS is now using a Crime Suppression Strategy, which allows resources to be allocated where they receive the most calls. This is a proactive approach, and individuals are encouraged to continue to report any crimes to WRPS directly.

Please refer to the contact card for more details on who to call for issues.

Thank you again to those who attending and provided feedback. We will continue to provide updates on the Engage WR page as they become available, including information for the next community information meeting.