Homelessness in Waterloo Region

Our story

Did you know that between 1,500 and 2,000 people experience homelessness at some point in any given year in Waterloo Region, with thousands more at risk of being homeless? In concert with several important initiatives taking place in the community to address homelessness, we are pulling together people to do something about this important concern.

The Network, formerly known as the Waterloo Region Community Homelessness Working Group, includes community members, faith groups, social service agencies and government representatives. It has been working since 1999 to respond to homelessness in Waterloo Region. In 2001, it received funding from the federal Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI) to complete a Community Plan for Waterloo Region.

June 1999

Understanding Homelessness in Waterloo Region: A Backgrounder Report was published. This report demonstrated the extent of the homelessness crisis in Waterloo Region. Read the executive summary of the report.

February 2000

The Opening Doors forum brought together more than 200 people to harness the capacity and resources of the community to find local solutions for reducing and preventing homelessness.

July 2000

The Opening Doors report was published. It distils the ideas and discussions of the forum and highlights solutions proposed during the forum.

Documents

• Opening Doors: Community Action Forum
• Consultation Paper
• Priorities Document

Some of our member agencies

• City of Kitchener
• City of Waterloo
• House of Friendship
• Human Resources Development Canada - Kitchener office
• Lutherwood-CODA
• Opportunities 2000
• Ray of Hope Inc.
• Regional Municipality of Waterloo
• ROOF
• Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries
• Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo

SCPI Partners Across Canada

See what other communities are doing.