Guelph, Ont.- Representatives from the Governments of Canada and Ontario, the County of Wellington, the City Guelph, Wyndham House, along with several other community partners, attended an open house today at the Welcome 2 Waterloo project located at 107-109 Waterloo Avenue in Guelph.
Over $1.7 million dollars in federal and provincial funding has provided ten net-new supportive housing units dedicated to youth experiencing homelessness in Wellington County and Guelph.
In addition to administering federal and provincial capital funding, the County of Wellington has committed ongoing rent supplement funding to help ensure units remain affordable and accessible for youth who need them most.
Wyndham House’s “Welcome 2 Waterloo” project brings ten affordable congregate supportive housing units for youth experiencing homelessness, or who are at risk of chronic homelessness (as guided by the Coordinated Access System). The remaining three units will be prioritized for youth who are pregnant and parenting or leaving situations of intimate partner violence and/or human trafficking.
Youth living at 107-109 Waterloo Avenue will receive flexible, complex-capable wrap-around supports, including:
- Primary Care
- Treatment
- Harm Reduction Supports
- Psychiatry
- Occupational Therapy
- Educational Support
- Recreational Activities
- Life Skill Supports
- Peer Support
- Case Management
“The Welcome to Waterloo Project is committed to helping at risk youth achieve stability and independence,” said Warden Chris White. “By providing 24/7 wraparound supports and a safe place to call home, these young residents will have the resources and supports the need to succeed. This critical project would not be possible without the generous funding from the Governments of Canada and Ontario.”
“Residents at Welcome 2 Waterloo will receive the critical supports they need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” commented Dave Purdy, Director of Housing Services. “Partnerships with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo-Wellington, Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County, and the Guelph Community Health Centre will provide support.”
Media Contact:
Dave Purdy, Director of Housing Services, County of Wellington, 519.924.7822 X 4040, davep@wellington.ca