With increased homelessness in Waterloo region and across Canada, there are more encampments in public places within the city. Find information about homelessness and our approach below.
On this page:
Homelessness
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region has grown significantly over the past few years. The Region of Waterloo estimates that around 1,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness across the region, including hundreds of people experiencing chronic homelessness.
Homelessness is a complex issue that is impacted by many factors, including housing affordability, support services infrastructure, mental health and trauma, job loss, poverty, synthetic drugs and the opioid crisis.
Responsibility
The Region of Waterloo is the lead for housing and shelter locally. As a result of increasing community need, the Region is working with municipal and community partners to find interim housing solutions. These solutions include new emergency shelter spaces and a managed outdoor shelter. Read more about the Region’s plan for the first outdoor shelter, set to open in 2023.
We continue to work with the Region and local partners to address the complex issue of homelessness and encampments. Find out more about how we’re supporting affordable housing in Kitchener.
Addressing homelessness requires an all-of-community approach that includes community members, businesses, social support groups, local municipalities, the Region of Waterloo and provincial and federal partners. We’re committed to doing our part to find and implement solutions.
Questions or concerns
If you have encampment-related concerns, please:
- call the Region of Waterloo at 519-575-4400: homelessness and housing questions
- call the City of Kitchener at 519-741-2345 or report a problem online: garbage, nuisance concerns, unsafe conditions
- call Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777 or report online: non-emergency criminal activity (example: theft)
- call 911: emergencies only
If you are looking for an emergency shelter, you can find shelter details and contact information on the Region of Waterloo emergency shelter page.