Region prepares for potential increase in shelter use with temporary shelter overflow option

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo has approved another temporary shelter as an option when existing emergency shelters reach capacity.

“We need to be prepared for potentially high numbers of people seeking shelter again during the colder months of the year,” said Housing Services Director Deb Schlichter. “And we know that last year’s approach worked well to help ease the pressure on shelters.” 

The cost of this year’s temporary shelter will be covered by existing provincial funding. The YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo will operate the shelter with trained, emergency shelter staff. It will accommodate up to 45 adults and be open every night from November 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019.

“We will ensure that everyone who wants a warm place to sleep will have one,” said Schlichter. “This is also a more cost-effective alternative to motel overflow.”

Last year’s overflow option, run by the House of Friendship, cost the Region about $112,000. That’s $178,000 less than it would have cost if the need for shelter was met through motel overflow alone.

The shelter overflow is a temporary solution to address the potential for increased capacity pressures over the winter and early spring. In the meantime, Housing Services continues to work with community partners to ease the pressure on shelters. The goal is to help people find permanent housing, sometimes with supports that help them to stay housed. Other strategies include homelessness prevention and supportive referrals to other safe and appropriate places to stay when people inquire about shelter.

These strategies are working. The Prevention and Diversion Team for single adults across the region can usually help about half of the people they serve to find safe, alternative places to stay. Similar services are also available for families and youth.

“This leaves more space open at the shelter for those who have no other options,” said Schlichter.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Schlichter
Director, Housing Services
Community Services, Region of Waterloo
519-883-2190
DSchlichter@regionofwaterloo.ca

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