Update on 84 Frederick Emergency Shelter – November 8, 2024

Following the Region’s purchase of 84 Frederick Street in Kitchener for use as an emergency shelter, and approval of the proposed operating model, renovations at the site are underway.

Regional staff are working with Services and Housing in the Province (SHIP) to open a temporary winter 37-bed overnight shelter in the building’s community space while the rest of the building is being renovated. It is anticipated that this temporary winter emergency shelter is anticipated to open in early December. The opening date is dependent on both facility renovations and staff hiring and is subject to change based on changes in renovation and hiring timelines. The temporary emergency shelter will operate until March 2025, at which time it is anticipated that the building renovations will be complete and the larger emergency shelter will open.

Prior to these shelter spaces opening, while there are currently no shelters dedicated to women and gender-diverse individuals, there are co-ed shelter spaces available, and we continue to work with community partners to respond to the homelessness crisis in our community to support those experiencing homelessness.