Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW) was proud to partner with Conestoga College’s Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice program on a capstone research project exploring how supportive housing influences resident well-being over time. Using surveys and one-on-one interviews with SHOW residents, the project examined three key indicators of personal well-being: independence, self-efficacy, and social connectedness.

The findings showed encouraging trends across all three areas. Residents reported improvements in their ability to manage daily routines and responsibilities, increased confidence in navigating challenges and pursuing personal goals, and stronger feelings of belonging and connection within their community. Survey and interview findings highlighted that residents were not only experiencing housing stability—they were building routines, developing skills, strengthening relationships, and creating pathways toward greater independence.
One particularly meaningful finding was the importance of connection. Residents spoke about feeling supported by staff, participating in activities, and developing relationships that reduced isolation and fostered a sense of community. The research reinforced what we see every day at SHOW: supportive housing is about more than providing a place to live—it is about creating the conditions for people to rebuild confidence, strengthen life skills, and thrive.
We are grateful to the Conestoga student research team and to the residents who generously shared their experiences to make this work possible. Their voices help deepen our understanding of the impact of supportive housing and will continue to inform how SHOW supports residents into the future.

You can read the full report HERE!