Guelph, Ont.- Today, the County of Wellington, along with the City of Guelph, and representatives from the Government of Canada, officially opened the doors of the 65 Delhi St Transitional Housing Facility.
A transitional housing facility is a specific type of temporary housing with associated support services. Transitional housing is designed to provide an intermediate step between emergency shelter and permanent housing. It provides individuals with a safe place to stay temporarily along with a programme of individualized support services such as counselling, job training and placement, community activities, increased access to health supports and help with life skills. This type of housing facility is meant to help individuals move from experiencing homelessness to housing stability and to proactively prevent a return to homelessness.
The 28-unit facility will offer 24/7 wrap around support services provided by Thresholds Homes and Supports.
Thresholds Homes and Supports is a not-for-profit organization offering a range of mental health and addiction services, supportive housing, crisis stabilization, individualized support programmes, and more. Thresholds Homes and Supports is currently assisting more than 1,200 individuals in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph.
“The 65 Delhi St Transitional Housing Facility helps fill a critical gap in adult housing opportunities in the City of Guelph and will be instrumental in supporting the health and well-being of 28 people currently experiencing homelessness,” said Warden Chris White.
“By integrating health, housing and wrap around community supports, the 65 Delhi Street facility will address the complex issues surrounding homelessness, while providing a safe, warm, supportive living arrangement for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community,” commented Dave Purdy, Director of Housing Services.
“The County and the City have worked collaboratively to find innovative solutions to help those experiencing homelessness in our communities,” said Linda Busuttil, Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee Chair. “With the opening of 65 Delhi St, the County and the City continue the critical work of moving towards more permanent housing solutions and homelessness prevention strategies.”
"Thresholds is thrilled to be partnering with Crow Shield Lodge, KW Urban Native Wigwam Project, Stonehenge Therapeutic and the Guelph Community Health Centre to provide individuals at risk within Guelph Wellington the opportunity to find both support within community and strength through independence,” commented Eric Philip, CEO for Thresholds Homes and Supports. “We believe that 65 Delhi is a significant milestone in solving the homeless crisis in our community and are excited to share the impact of this important work."
The County of Wellington is the designated service system manager for all social services in both the City of Guelph and Wellington County.
For more information on the 65 Delhi Street Transitional Housing Facility, please visit: www.wellington.ca/65Delhi.
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Media Contacts:
Dave Purdy, Director of Housing Services
T 519.824.7822 x 4040
Email davep@wellington.ca
Eric Philip, CEO
Thresholds Homes and Supports
T 519.742.3191 X 1224
Email ephilip@thresholdssupports.ca