Stepping Stone expansion offers housing, support to homeless

GUELPH – Emergency shelter and transitional housing facility, Stepping Stone, officially opened 12 new transitional housing units and 24 additional shelter beds in Guelph.

The announcement was celebrated by project partners, community members and government officials at the facility on Feb. 27.

“This space marks a major enhancement to the systems in this community that are working towards the overarching goal of ending chronic homelessness,” Stepping Stone executive director Perrin Valli told guests.

The building’s second floor now offers additional emergency overnight shelter, just like the first floor, and the newly expanded third offers 12 transitional units.

“The new space on the second floor means we can offer greater flexibility for those in shelter,” Valli said.

The transitional units are aimed at helping people exit from homelessness by offering a stable, 24/7 place to live with professional supports.

Third-floor units include a bed, small fridge, bedside table and an area to hang clothes.

“We hope that this program will help stabilize participants on their journey to permanent housing,” Valli said.

County Warden Chris White expressed his pride towards the partnership between the federal government, Guelph and the county as they work together to get “these important buildings up and online,” he said.

In spring 2023, county staff began working with Stepping Stone and Grinham Architects to explore ways to expand emergency shelter beds and transitional housing in Guelph. 

This is due to the county being the service system manager for social services in the Guelph-Wellington area.

The two-year construction project was made a reality when the federal government allocated $2.6 million from the Affordable Housing Fund to the project. 

“Through the entirety of this complex project ... there was not a single day’s interruption of providing the essential overnight emergency shelter,” Grinham Architects representative Lloyd Grinham said to a room of applause. 

Other speakers included Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, Guelph MP Dominique O’Rourke, Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, social services committee chair Linda Busutill and county director of housing Dave Purdy.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of,” Purdy told the Advertiser.

He expressed his excitement in regards to the expansion but noted this is only a “stepping-stone” to the journey in ending chronic homelessness.

“These supports enable the individuals to move forward in their health and housing journey,” Purdy said. 

Stepping Stone is located downtown Guelph at 23 Gordon St. 

The site welcomes all genders, age 25 plus. Guests will have access to coffee, snacks, showers and safe overnight accommodation from 8pm to 8am, seven nights a week. 

The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is supported by diversion, housing stability, care coordinator and outreach teams. 

More information can be found at steppingstonegw.com.