Region to establish temporary emergency shelter accommodations at 139 University

Sept. 24, 2020.

The Region of Waterloo recently informed us that as part of their ongoing response to COVID 19, they will establish temporary emergency accommodations for people experiencing homelessness, which will be managed by the Working Centre.

The interim housing will be located at 139 University Avenue West at University and Albert Streets, near Wilfrid Laurier University’s Waterloo campus. It is expected to house up to 80 residents with staggered entry beginning in early October.

Laurier is supportive of the ongoing efforts of the Region, the City of Waterloo, local social service agencies and other levels of government to provide housing and services to community members who need extra support. As this project proceeds, Laurier is committed to working with the Region of Waterloo, the Waterloo Region Police Service, the City of Waterloo, the Working Centre and the University of Waterloo to meet ongoing needs, address any concerns and to support positive outcomes for both the project and our university community.

For more details about the Region of Waterloo’s project and for contact information to address questions, please read their introductory notice below.

Region of Waterloo Notice to Neighbours

Hello Neighbours,

As part of the community’s pandemic response and recovery, the Region of Waterloo, service providers, and community agencies are working together to protect people who do not have a home from COVID-19. New temporary emergency short term accommodations that enable physical distancing are urgently needed. Due to this urgency, we had to work quickly to set up temporary accommodations that were offered up in your neighbourhood.

The Waterloo Co-operative Residence Incorporated Hammar Building on University Avenue is being set up as an interim housing location for individuals experiencing homelessness. It is anticipated that this interim housing location will become operational in early October.

These temporary accommodations provide a place for people experiencing homelessness to access a bed, receive medical supports, and be connected to services and supports to find permanent housing; a goal the community shares.

Both staff and participants will be actively screened for COVID-19 and protocols are in place for anyone who displays symptoms.

The space for these temporary sites is being prepared and will be fully staffed and operating in the next few weeks. We invite you to reach out to us with questions or concerns and we look forward to working with you in your neighbourhood.

We have included some questions and answers on the next page with additional information.

We appreciate your understanding and support during these unprecedented times.

If you have any questions about this community effort, please reach out to the service provider operating the site: 

Q&A: Temporary accommodations in Kitchener & Waterloo

We understand you may have questions about the temporary accommodations needed during COVID-19 for people who do not have a home. If you have a question or concern not listed here, please do not hesitate to contact Joe Mancini (joe@theworkingcentre.org) or Jay Straus (on-site contact) jays@theworkingcentre.org (519)-575-0734.

Why are the accommodations needed?
There is an urgent need for short term emergency accommodations that enable physical distancing for people who do not have a home. The community is working together to meet this need. With the protective measures in place to date, there has been only one positive case of COVID-19 among this vulnerable population.

Why are the accommodations coming to this neighbourhood?
The Region of Waterloo conducted a search of the community to find suitable locations that could function as short term emergency accommodations that enable physical distancing for people who do not have a home. Potential sites and locations were evaluated based on their cost, size, location, on site amenities, modifications needed, and proximity to public transit.

How long will these accommodations be in place?
Plans are being put in place to operate these temporary accommodations for up to a year, depending on the need, budget, and other factors such as the ability to continue to lease the spaces. Permanent housing is the best and most affordable response for individuals experiencing homelessness. Shelter providers and community agencies will continue to focus on finding permanent housing for shelter participants. Since the beginning of the pandemic over 150 people have moved from emergency shelters to permanent housing.

How will we make sure these temporary accommodations work well within the neighbourhood? Service providers and the Region of Waterloo are working with community agencies and other stakeholders like Waterloo Regional Police and the area municipalities to make sure participants transition smoothly into the accommodations. Service providers and the Region of Waterloo will be connecting with neighbourhoods and key stakeholders regularly to make sure any issues that arise are quickly identified and responded to.

Will there be security at these accommodations?
The Region of Waterloo is exploring having security on site at each of the locations as the service providers and participants transition into the accommodations and neighbourhoods. We will also work closely with Service Providers and Waterloo Regional Police Services to address any neighbourhood issues as they arise.