When the YWCA Cambridge and Region of Waterloo jointly announced Grace Bible Church in Galt as the site for a temporary emergency women's shelter on Monday, it put an end to a months-long search.
With the location now known, the work begins to get it up and running before the cold weather hits.
"Our goal is to have something operational before the winter," Kim Decker, CEO of the YWCA Cambridge, said.
"It all depends on renovations being done with the support of the region."
Funding for the renovations will come from a 2024 regional budget commitment of $1.4 million as part of its Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. The YWCA will be responsible for finding beds, dressers and other necessary items for the space.
Decker said the temporary location, of which there's no end date set for them to vacate, plays the dual role of providing a space for women to get off the streets while also giving them more time to find a permanent solution.
As that search continues, Decker is thankful for the work of the church and its staff in opening up its doors for those in need.
"It's been difficult to find land to be purchased or renovated," Decker said.
"Grace Bible Church approached us a number of months ago saying they had the space in the church and they’d be interested in having a conversation. We're thrilled. It's been long a process doing the research, application and finding a spot."
Cambridge regional councillor Pam Wolf has been a staunch advocate inside council chambers for securing a women's shelter in the city.
Wolf feels the city is lacking when it comes to access to social services, particularly for women, and sees this as a step in the right direction.
By having 20 beds, it'll allow for staff to provide a more personalized approach to wraparound services, she said.
"This was very much on my plate, I’m constantly saying 'what about Cambridge?'" Wolf said.
"I've worked personally with different people experiencing homelessness and we've helped put people in the hybrid shelter at Erb Street in Waterloo and many didn’t last that long because their families and lives were here."
She also confirmed that work is being done to ensure the shelter at 84 Fredrick St. in Kitchener will remain.
The region had bought the property from the YW Kitchener-Waterloo, who helped the residents find alternative living arrangements, and are going to be renovating the location in hopes of getting it operational as soon as possible.
Wolf believes as the YWCA Cambridge shifts its focus to finding a permanent shelter, help will be needed from the provincial and federal governments.
"We need a permanent location, whether that’s buying an existing building to renovate or building," she said.
"The goal would be as soon as possible. Unfortunately, things take time. That’s where we need the province and federal government to step forward. As time goes by we're seeing the numbers rise and the number of women experiencing homelessness rise from all age groups."
