50 men to be supported at YW's Frederick Street emergency shelter set to be run by Toronto non-profit

A Toronto-area non-profit will take over operating an emergency shelter at the YW's Frederick Street shelter building in Kitchener starting sometime this fall.

Previously, the space at YW was used as a temporary emergency shelter to accommodate winter overflow.

The Region of Waterloo says the partnership with Services and Housing in the Province (SHIP), will provide a longer-term solution by supporting up to 50 men for up to a year.

"We are pleased to be working with SHIP as we work to expand our Emergency Shelter program as part of our Interim Housing Solutions strategy," Kelly-Anne Salerno, assistant director of housing operations and administration for the region, said in a release.

The non-profit has provided housing and health services supports primarily in the Toronto area for almost 30 years.

The region says the shelter will first operate as an overnight shelter, but will eventually operate 24/7 "once staffing and operational plans are in place."

People will still be able to drop-in during day for housing supports and service connections.

Lina Termini, director of congregate and emergency housing at SHIP, said in the release that people experiencing homelessness "deserve a dignified place to shelter."

"This location will provide shelter as well as access to important services to help with the transition to more permanent housing solutions," Termini said.

Salerno said housing services staff are finalizing the operational and agreement details with the YW and SHIP.

She said staff hope to "open this emergency shelter location as quickly as possible in response to the urgent need in our community."