Emergency Services
Emergency — Police, Fire or Ambulance
Call: 911
For situations requiring immediate assistance from police, fire or paramedics.
Waterloo Regional Police Service — Non-Emergency
Call: 519-570-9777
For situations requiring police attention where there is no immediate threat to life, health or property
Victim Services of Waterloo Region
Provides immediate crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, practical assistance and referrals for people affected by crime or traumatic circumstances. Victim Services can assist with situations including assault, intimate-partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, sudden death, suicide and other traumatic events. Waterloo Regional Police
Monday–Friday: 519-585-2363
After hours: 519-570-5143
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC)
24/7 Support Line: 519-741-8633
Provides confidential 24/7 support for survivors of sexual violence and people supporting survivors, regardless of gender. Support can include crisis intervention, information about options, referrals, advocacy and accompaniment
Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
Kitchener-Waterloo: 519-742-5894 — 24/7
Cambridge: 519-653-2422 — 24/7
Toll-free: 1-800-410-4482
Provides crisis support, emergency shelter and outreach for women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing domestic violence, as well as their children. Its emergency shelters are Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge.
Mental Health Crisis
Here 24/7
Call: 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247) — 24/7
Here 24/7 is the primary access point for addictions, mental health and crisis services across Waterloo-Wellington. Staff can respond to immediate crisis needs, assess what support is needed and connect people with appropriate services.
Waterloo Region Housing / Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC)
Phone: 519-575-4400
Email: housingapplication@regionofwaterloo.ca
The Region's Community Housing Access Centre is the central access point for subsidized/community housing in Waterloo Region. It manages the centralized waiting list for rent-geared-to-income housing, co-operative and non-profit housing, and other affordable housing options. Applications can be completed online, on paper, or with assistance at a Region of Waterloo Welcome Space
Starling Community Services — Housing Services
Phone: 519-749-2450
Kitchener: 41 Weber Street West
Cambridge: 35 Dickson Street
Housing Advisors provide one-on-one help to people looking for housing or struggling to keep their current housing. Assistance can include housing searches, landlord negotiation, eviction prevention, help with missed rent or overdue utilities, connections to other supports, and assistance accessing last month's rent funding.
Region of Waterloo — Rent Assistance / Emergency Financial Assistance
Ontario Works Intake: 519-883-2100, Option 1
Welcome Spaces: 519-575-4400
People with low incomes who are at risk of eviction or homelessness because they cannot pay their rent may qualify for assistance. People receiving Ontario Works or ODSP are directed to speak with their caseworker; people who don't receive OW or ODSP may be assessed for emergency assistance through Ontario Works. The Region also refers households to Starling Housing Services where appropriate.
Help Paying Rent – Region of Waterloo
Social Development Centre Waterloo Region — Eviction Prevention Peer Support
Phone: 519-579-3800
The program works with tenants facing eviction and can help with advocacy, landlord/tenant conflicts, navigating eviction processes and identifying alternatives that may help someone remain housed. Waterloo Region Community Legal Services also specifically directs tenants to this program as an eviction-prevention resource.
https://www.waterlooregion.org/
Waterloo Region Community Legal Services (WRCLS)
Phone: 519-743-0254
Kitchener: 450 Frederick Street, Unit 101
Cambridge: Langs Community Health Centre, 1145 Concession Road
Provides free legal services to eligible low-income Waterloo Region residents, including assistance with tenancy and housing-law issues. Tenants who receive notices or other paperwork from their landlord are encouraged to contact WRCLS promptly for information and advice. Depending on eligibility and circumstances, assistance ranges from summary advice and referrals to legal representation.
Emergency Shelter Access
Adults (18+) — First Connect
Phone: 519-624-9133 — 24/7
Connects adults experiencing homelessness with an appropriate emergency shelter or other safe option.
Youth (16–25)
Phone: 519-749-1450 — 24/7
Families
Phone: 519-749-2450 — Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
After hours: 519-501-7947
Region of Waterloo — Emergency Shelters & Transitional Housing
Adult Emergency Shelters
Waterloo
House of Friendship - ShelterCare — 190 Weber Street North
Serves adults 25+, specifically single men and couples. Regular capacity is 100 spaces. The facility includes showers, laundry, computers and community space and has several accessibility features.
Hybrid Shelter Camping — Erbs Road Shelter, 1001 Erbs Road
Serves adults 25+, including women, men, gender-diverse individuals and couples. It has 50 spaces and is pet friendly.
Kitchener
Out of the Cold Shelter (SHIP) — 84 Frederick Street
22 beds for women and gender-diverse adults 25+.
Cambridge
Cambridge Shelter Corporation - The Bridges — 26 Simcoe Street
80 beds for men 25+. The site provides showers, laundry, computer access and other amenities.
YWCA Cambridge Shelter at Grace Bible Church — 2 Grand Avenue South
20 beds for women and gender-diverse individuals and operates 24 hours.
Youth Emergency Shelters
oneROOF Youth Services — 35 Sheldon Avenue North, Kitchener
Provides emergency shelter for youth ages 16–25, along with essential-needs supports and outreach. The shelter has 24 beds.
Safe Haven Emergency Shelter — 41 Weber Street West, Kitchener
Provides 10 private emergency shelter spaces for youth ages 12–18.
Daytime Drop-In Services
Ray of Hope Inc — 659 King Street East, Kitchener
Drop-in: Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. The Community Centre provides meals and other supports for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
St. John's Kitchen Drop-In Centre — 97 Victoria Street North, Kitchener
Daytime Drop-In Hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Overnight Rest Space: 9:00 PM onwards. The facility can accommodate up to 150 people overnight to provide safety and shelter from the elements
Street Outreach
Kitchener/Waterloo Street Outreach — The Working Centre
Phone: 519-577-2095 or 519-503-8926
Street outreach workers connect with people experiencing homelessness, help address immediate needs, support housing plans and connect people with other community resources.
Cambridge Street Outreach — ACCKWA & Sanguen Health
Phone: 519-778-2952 or 519-778-4677
Youth Street Outreach — oneROOF
Phone: 519-505-6623 or 519-496-8788
Region of Waterloo — Unsheltered Support Program
Phone: 519-575-4400
Email: outreach@regionofwaterloo.ca Region of Waterloo
Warming, Cooling & Clean Air Spaces
Find a Warming, Cooling or Clean Air Space
Overnight Warming Centers
During the colder months, overnight warming centers operate at locations throughout Waterloo Region. Locations and hours can change seasonally. Visit the Region of Waterloo's Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing page for current information.
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region — Find Food
Centralized Food Assistance Outreach: 519-743-5576 ext. 340
Email: needfood@thefoodbank.ca
Phone hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–noon
The online Find Food tool allows someone to enter their postal code and locate nearby food hampers and community meals. People can also call or email for help locating food, including information about home delivery and after-hours food-locker options for people facing access barriers.
https://www.thefoodbank.ca/find-food
House of Friendship — Emergency Food Hampers
807 Guelph Street, Kitchener
Phone: 519-742-8327
House of Friendship provides emergency food hampers for individuals and families in need. Depending on availability, assistance can also include baby food, diapers and personal-hygiene items.
https://houseoffriendship.org/how-we-help/food
Cambridge Food Bank — Community Pantry
54 Ainslie Street South, Cambridge
Phone: 519-622-6550
For residents of Cambridge and North Dumfries, the Cambridge Food Bank provides emergency food hampers containing fresh, frozen and non-perishable food. When available, hampers can also include baby food, formula and diapers.
People facing barriers such as transportation, mobility or work schedules may also be able to access food lockers or home delivery.
https://cambridgefoodbank.org/community-pantry
Cambridge Food Bank — Mobile Food Market
This is a little different from emergency food assistance and worth including. The Mobile Food Market brings affordable fresh produce to more than 15 neighbourhoods in Cambridge and North Dumfries. Everyone is welcome to shop, regardless of income.
https://cambridgefoodbank.org/mobile-food-market
The Working Centre — St. John's Kitchen
Kitchener
Phone: 519-743-1151
St. John's Kitchen is an important basic-needs resource for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. The Working Centre describes it as providing a daily meal within a broader network of place-based and mobile supports.
https://www.theworkingcentre.org/hubs/st-johns-kitchen-and-outreach/
Drop-In Programs — Showers, Laundry & Other Essentials
Waterloo Region's drop-in programs may provide food, showers, laundry, health care, information and referrals, and social and recreational activities for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Region also maintains a downloadable pocket card containing current shelter, drop-in, food and street-outreach information.
Clothing & Household Essentials
Need clothing, hygiene supplies or household essentials?
Availability changes regularly. Contact the Food Bank's Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line at 519-743-5576 ext. 340, check its community-resource guides, or call 211 to find current programs near you.
Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo
44 Francis Street South, Kitchener
Phone: 519-745-4404
Community Healthcaring provides primary health care and related services with a particular focus on people facing barriers to health care, including people experiencing homelessness or precarious housing, newcomers and refugees. Services include primary care, outreach, counselling, diabetes education, chiropody, health-system navigation, refugee health and other allied-health supports
Sanguen Health Centre — Low-Barrier & Mobile Health Care
29 Young Street East, Waterloo
Phone: 519-603-0223
Toll-free: 1-877-351-9857 ext. 1
Sanguen provides health care for people experiencing significant barriers related to homelessness, substance use, mental-health concerns and chronic poverty. Services include primary care, specialized hepatitis C care, nursing, peer support and outreach. Its work is grounded in harm reduction.
Langs Community Health Centre
1145 Concession Road, Cambridge
Phone: 519-653-1470
Langs provides primary care through physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians, social workers and community-health workers. Services include primary care, mental-health support, diabetes education, health promotion and specialized clinics.
Waterloo Region HART Hub
Phone: 519-745-4404 ext. 213
The Waterloo Region Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub brings together Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo, House of Friendship, Langs, Sanguen, Ray of Hope, Crow Shield Lodge, CMHA Waterloo Wellington and The Working Centre.
Services include primary care, mental-health services, addiction treatment and support, social services, system navigation, supportive housing and other supports for people experiencing homelessness and related challenges.
https://healthcaringkw.org/hart-hub-waterloo-region
Region of Waterloo Public Health — Dental Clinics
General Public Health: 519-575-4400
Waterloo Dental Clinic: ext. 3086
Cambridge Dental Clinic: ext. 3088
The Region operates Public Health dental clinics in Waterloo and Cambridge for eligible low-income residents who do not qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Services are provided by dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants.
Region of Waterloo — Sexual Health Services
Phone: 519-575-4400
Public Health provides free and confidential sexual-health services. Most services do not require a health card, making this an important low-barrier resource. Clinics are available in Waterloo and Cambridge.
Services include STI testing and treatment, sexual-health vaccines, birth-control and pregnancy services for eligible individuals, condoms and safer-sex supplies. Youth services are also available.
https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/programs-and-services/public-health/sexual-health-services
Health811
Call: 811
TTY: 711
Available: 24/7
Health811 gives Ontario residents free, confidential health advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day. People can call 811 or use online chat and can also search for nearby health services such as walk-in clinics, doctors, pharmacies and mental-health services.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/your-health
Finding a Family Doctor or Walk-In Clinic
Health Care Connect: 1-800-445-1822
The Region directs residents without a family doctor to Health Care Connect, Ontario's service for helping people find a family doctor or nurse practitioner accepting patients.
https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/programs-and-services/public-health/find-a-doctor
Here 24/7 — Mental Health, Addictions & Crisis Support
Phone: 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247)
TTY: 1-877-688-5501
Available: 24/7
Here 24/7 is the primary access point for the mental-health, substance-use and crisis system in Waterloo-Wellington. People can call if they are experiencing a crisis, need mental health or addiction support, or simply aren't sure which local service they need.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text: 9-8-8
Available: 24/7 across Canada
9-8-8 provides immediate support for anyone who is thinking about suicide or worried about someone they know. Support is available toll-free by phone and text, 24 hours a day, in English and French.
In immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency? Call 911.
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health — Counselling
Phone: 519-743-6333
Camino is an important resource for people who need counselling rather than emergency crisis intervention.
Its Adult Quick Response service provides timely counselling for people experiencing situational, mild or moderate mental-health challenges. In-person, telephone and virtual options are available, with funded and fee-for-service options designed to make services accessible regardless of someone's financial situation.
https://www.caminowellbeing.ca/
CMHA Waterloo Wellington — Mental Health Services
General services: 1-844-264-2993
Kitchener: 55 King Street West, 2nd Floor
Cambridge: 9 Wellington Street, Suite 3
CMHA Waterloo Wellington provides a broad range of mental-health, substance-use and developmental services for children, adults and seniors. Waterloo Region programs include intensive mental-health services, mental-health and justice programs, specialized outreach, seniors' services and peer support. CMHA Waterloo Wellington
Front Door — Child & Youth Mental Health
Phone: 519-749-2932
Front Door is the starting point for accessing child and youth mental-health services in Waterloo Region. It supports children and youth up to their 18th birthday, along with parents and caregivers dealing with emotional, behavioural, relationship or mental-health concerns.
https://www.frontdoormentalhealth.com/
Kids Help Phone
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Text: CONNECT to 686868
Kids Help Phone provides free, confidential mental-health support for young people across Canada. Professional counselling is available by phone 24/7, while young people can also text or message with trained crisis responders.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
Phone: 1-855-242-3310
Available: 24/7
Hope for Wellness Helpline
Hope for Wellness provides 24/7 culturally competent mental-health and emotional support for Indigenous people across Canada by phone and online chat. Services are available in English and French, with telephone support in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut available upon request when counsellors speaking those languages are available. Hope for Wellness Helpline
Here 24/7 — Addiction Services & Navigation
Phone: 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247)
Available: 24/7
Here 24/7 is the main access point for addiction, mental health and crisis services across Waterloo-Wellington. It provides assessment, referrals, crisis support, waitlist management and appointment booking, and can connect people with counselling, withdrawal management, residential treatment and community-based addiction programs.
https://here247.ca/available-services/addictions-services
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics
Phone: 519-957-5000
Email: raam@houseoffriendship.org
RAAM clinics provide walk-in medical care for people experiencing substance-use concerns, without requiring an appointment or formal referral. The multidisciplinary team includes medical providers, addiction counsellors and peer-support workers.
Services include assessment, medications to help manage withdrawal and cravings when appropriate, brief counselling, peer support, overdose-prevention and naloxone education, harm-reduction support and referrals to longer-term treatment. RAAM supports both abstinence and harm-reduction goals.
Clinics currently operate on different days in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, including Community Healthcaring KW, ShelterCare, Ray of Hope and the Waterloo Region Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic.
https://houseoffriendship.org/raam-clinic
House of Friendship — Withdrawal & Addiction Treatment
Phone: 519-742-8327
House of Friendship provides a range of addiction services, including withdrawal support and addiction treatment.
Its Community Withdrawal Support Services program provides a free and confidential alternative to residential withdrawal management for people experiencing mild-to-moderate withdrawal who can safely withdraw at home or another appropriate location. Staff help participants plan and manage withdrawal and connect with longer-term supports afterward.
https://houseoffriendship.org/how-we-help/addiction-treatment
Sanguen Health Centre — Harm Reduction & Outreach
Waterloo: 29 Young Street East
Phone: 519-603-0223
Toll-free: 1-877-351-9857 ext. 1
Sanguen works with people experiencing substance use, homelessness, mental-health challenges and chronic poverty through a person-centred harm-reduction approach. Services include primary care, hepatitis C treatment, peer support, outreach and system navigation.
Its outreach teams provide harm-reduction supplies, safer-use information, needle/syringe distribution and return, safer inhalation supplies, drug education, wound and vein care and connections to other services. Mobile outreach operates throughout Waterloo Region.
Region of Waterloo — Harm Reduction & Naloxone
Waterloo Region Public Health supports a network of Needle Syringe Program locations where people can obtain free harm-reduction supplies and safely return used equipment. Supplies can include naloxone, sterile injection supplies, safer-inhalation supplies and sharps containers.
Public Health also provides information on free naloxone, overdose prevention, community drug alerts, safer drug use and where to find harm-reduction services throughout Waterloo Region.
National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
Phone: 1-888-688-NORS (6677)
Waterloo Region Public Health recommends NORS for people who may be using drugs alone. Someone can call or text before using and remain connected with a trained peer who can arrange emergency assistance if the person becomes unresponsive. The service is confidential and non-judgmental.
Ontario Works — Region of Waterloo
Ontario Works provides financial assistance to eligible people who do not have enough income to meet basic needs such as food and housing. It can also connect recipients with health benefits, employment services and other supports.
Apply by phone: 1-888-999-1142
Local assistance: 519-883-2100
People can also receive in-person help at Region of Waterloo Welcome Spaces:
Waterloo: 99 Regina Street South
Kitchener: 20 Weber Street East
Cambridge: 150 Main Street
Ontario Works — Region of Waterloo
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
ODSP provides income support and health/disability benefits to eligible Ontario residents with disabilities who are in financial need. People can apply online, by phone or through their local ODSP office.
Social Assistance Support Line: 1-888-999-1142
TTY: 1-800-387-5559
Ontario Disability Support Program
Emergency Financial Assistance — Region of Waterloo
People experiencing an emergency may be able to receive short-term financial assistance through Ontario Works. The Region specifically identifies situations such as being homeless or facing eviction within seven days, experiencing a health-related crisis, experiencing abuse, or being affected by a disaster such as a fire or flood.
Region of Waterloo: 519-883-2100
People receiving Ontario Works or ODSP should generally speak with their caseworker about additional or discretionary benefits that may be available.
Ontario Works & Emergency Assistance
Free Income Tax Clinics
The CRA's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) provides free tax preparation through community organizations for eligible people with modest incomes and simple tax situations. Clinics may be in-person, virtual, walk-in, appointment-based or drop-off, depending on the provider
Locally, there are several options worth mentioning.
The Working Centre — Free Income Tax Clinic
Phone: 519-743-1151
Social Development Centre Waterloo Region — Free Tax Clinic
Phone: 519-579-3800 ext. 3
Email: tax-clinic@waterlooregion.org
The Region of Waterloo also offers free tax clinics for eligible Community Services clients and seniors 60+, including people connected to Ontario Works, ODSP, Waterloo Region Housing, the housing waitlist, emergency shelters or outreach.
Waterloo Region Community Legal Services
Kitchener: 450 Frederick Street, Unit 101
Cambridge: Langs Community Health Centre, 1145 Concession Road
Phone: 519-743-0254
WRCLS provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income residents of Waterloo Region. Services range from referrals and summary legal advice to full legal representation.
Areas of assistance include tenant and housing issues, Ontario Works, ODSP appeals, CPP Disability, employment and Employment Insurance, consumer protection, immigration law, name and gender-marker changes, and Indigenous Justice/Gladue services.
Social Development Centre Waterloo Region — Eviction Prevention
Phone: 519-579-3800
https://www.waterlooregion.org/eviction-prevention-waterloo-region
Human Rights Legal Support Centre
Toll-free: 1-866-625-5179
TTY: 711
The Human Rights Legal Support Centre provides legal advice and assistance to people across Ontario who have experienced discrimination or harassment covered by Ontario's Human Rights Code. This can include discrimination related to housing, employment and services.
Community Support Connections
Phone: 519-772-8787
Community Support Connections (CSC) helps older adults and adults with disabilities remain independent in their own homes. Services include Meals on Wheels, grocery assistance, transportation, exercise and falls-prevention programs, caregiver support, friendly visits, reassurance calls, homemaking, home maintenance, snow removal and yard work.
Some programs are free, while others have fees or income-based pricing.
https://communitysupportconnections.org/
Waterloo Home Support Services
101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo
Phone: 519-579-6930
For older adults living in the City of Waterloo, Waterloo Home Support Services provides practical assistance designed to help people continue living independently at home.
Services include grocery assistance, homemaking, home maintenance, transportation and opportunities for community dining and social connection.
https://www.waterloo.ca/senior-services/get-home-support-services/
Community Care Concepts
Phone: 519-664-1900
Community Care Concepts provides services for older adults and adults with disabilities living in Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot Townships.
Programs include Meals on Wheels, transportation, homemaking, home maintenance, friendly visiting, social and community dining programs, adult day programs, caregiver respite and assistance transitioning home after hospitalization.
http://www.communitycareconcepts.ca/
Ontario Health atHome — Waterloo Wellington
Information & Referral: 1-833-515-1234
Toll-free: 1-888-883-3313
Ontario Health atHome coordinates publicly funded home and community care and helps people navigate services that can allow them to remain safely at home. It also coordinates applications and placement for long-term care. Ontario Health at Home
https://ontariohealthathome.ca/
Senior Support Team — Elder Abuse
Phone: 519-579-4607
Email: seniorsupport@wrps.on.ca
Emergency: 911
The Senior Support Team of Waterloo Region is a partnership between Waterloo Regional Police Service and Ontario Health atHome. It responds to concerns involving elder abuse and vulnerable older adults, provides information and consultation, connects people with community resources, and investigates matters that may be criminal.
Region of Waterloo — Community & Seniors' Housing
The Region's Community Housing Access Centre manages the centralized waiting list for subsidized housing for eligible low- and moderate-income individuals, families and seniors. The Region's housing catalogue identifies buildings designated for seniors, including buildings serving people aged 60+.
The Region also administers supportive-housing programs, including options specifically serving older adults.
Ageing Well Waterloo Directory
The City of Waterloo released an updated 2026–2027 Ageing Well Directory this year. It's designed as a one-stop resource for older adults and includes hundreds of local services covering housing, health, recreation, transportation, social and cultural programs, legal services, elder abuse and fraud, long-term care, computer literacy, government benefits and other supports.
https://issuu.com/cityofwaterloo/docs/ageing_well_waterloo_directory_-_2026_2027
Waterloo Region is home to several Indigenous-led organizations providing culturally grounded supports for First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members. The following organizations offer services including health care, housing, traditional healing, cultural connection, family support and community programming.
Anishnabeg Outreach — Centre for Indigenous Healing
236 Woodhaven Road, Kitchener
Phone: 519-742-0300 / 519-208-5333
Anishnabeg Outreach is an Indigenous-led organization providing culturally appropriate, wrap-around services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and families. Its Kitchener Centre for Indigenous Healing offers wellness and healing programs, cultural programming, counselling and referrals, employment services, youth and family programming, an Indigenous-led EarlyON center, and assistance with food and essential items through its Spirit Bundle program
The Healing of the Seven Generations
300 Frederick Street, Kitchener
Phone: 519-570-9118
Toll-free: 1-866-676-6009
Healing of the Seven Generations supports Indigenous people and families affected by the legacy and intergenerational impacts of the residential school system. Its approach incorporates traditional ceremonies, teachings, cultural identity and community healing.
healingofthesevengenerations.ca
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) — Waterloo Wellington
745 Coronation Boulevard, Unit 102, Cambridge
Phone: 226-476-3672
SOAHAC provides culturally safe health and wellness services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and their families. Its Cambridge clinic provides primary health care, mental health and addiction services, traditional healing, diabetes education, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder services, child and youth outreach, tele-mental health, Jordan's Principle services, and Indigenous midwifery and women's health promotion.
K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project
This is the key organization to include for Indigenous housing. K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project has operated in Waterloo Region since 1987 and provides culturally safe, affordable housing for First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals and families. Its housing includes rent-geared-to-income and affordable units for people with low or moderate incomes.
K-W URBAN NATIVE WIGWAM PROJECT
White Owl Native Ancestry Association
65 Hanson Avenue, Kitchener
Phone: 519-957-5004
White Owl is an urban Indigenous community organization focused on culturally safe, holistic practices, education, healing and belonging in Waterloo Region.
Its community services include counselling, youth programming, drumming, traditional healing and naming ceremonies, cultural teachings, outreach support and community gatherings.
Crow Shield Lodge
Crow Shield Lodge is an Indigenous land-based healing and education space in Waterloo Region. Its work is grounded in the Seven Grandfather Teachings and focuses on healing, ceremony, community, cultural connection and relationship with the land.
Programming includes traditional healing, sweat lodge ceremonies, sharing circles, land-based programming, land stewardship teachings, cultural arts and crafts, and other ceremonies and workshops.
Crow Shield Lodge is also an Indigenous-led community partner in Waterloo Region's HART Hub, providing pathways to Indigenous traditional and land-based healing for people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental-health challenges or substance use.
Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre
715 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener
Phone: 519-745-2531
The Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre (KWMC) provides a wide range of services to help newcomers settle and build connections in Waterloo Region. Settlement workers can help newcomers understand local systems, complete forms, access services and connect with appropriate community resources.
KWMC also offers interpretation and translation, English-language support, employment and career services, and community programming. Its interpretation and translation network is available 24/7.
https://www.kwmulticultural.ca/
YMCA of Three Rivers — Newcomer Services
Kitchener: 800 King Street West
Cambridge: 250 Hespeler Road
Waterloo: 161 Roger Street
The YMCA is one of Waterloo Region's primary settlement-service providers. Settlement workers help newcomers navigate community services and adjust to life in Canada, including assistance connecting with housing, health care, education, employment and community programs. The YMCA also offers newcomer programs designed to help people develop social connections and become involved in their communities.
https://www.ymcathreerivers.ca/immigrant-services
Reception House Waterloo Region
101 Frederick Street, Suite 700, Kitchener
Phone: 519-743-0445
Email: info@receptionhouse.ca
Reception House specializes in supporting refugees and newcomers, providing settlement, housing and integration services. Its Resettlement Assistance Program helps Government-Assisted Refugees with immediate needs after arriving in Waterloo Region, including temporary accommodation, housing, orientation, essential services, schooling and community connections.
SPECTRUM
283 Duke Street West, Unit 210, Kitchener
Phone: 226-779-9695
Email: info@ourspectrum.com
SPECTRUM serves and supports 2SLGBTQIA+ people throughout Waterloo Region through peer support, social and recreational programs, community events, resources, education and community connection. It offers more than 40 groups and activities each month, including transgender peer support, programming for older 2SLGBTQIA+ adults, newcomer programming and social activities.
OK2BME — Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health
480 Charles Street East, Kitchener
Phone: 519-743-6333
Email: ok2bme@caminowellbeing.ca
OK2BME provides specialized, confidential support for 2SLGBTQIA+ and questioning children, youth, adults and families in Waterloo Region. Services include individual, relational and family counselling, youth groups, education and other supports.
Counselling is offered on a sliding scale, including fully funded/no-cost service where applicable, and can be provided in person, by phone or virtually.
THRIVE HIV Prevention & Support
1770 King Street East, Unit 5, Kitchener
Phone: 519-570-3687
THRIVE provides HIV prevention, testing, support and sexual-health programming in Waterloo Region. Its services include free rapid HIV self-testing, support for people living with HIV, peer programming, harm-reduction services and sexual-health education.
Front Door — Child & Youth Mental Health
Phone: 519-749-2932
Email: frontdoor@starlingcs.ca
Front Door is the primary starting point for publicly funded child and youth mental-health services in Waterloo Region. It supports children and youth up to their 18th birthday, as well as parents and caregivers. Families can contact Front Door directly; a mental-health diagnosis is not required.
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health — Child, Youth & Family Counselling
Camino provides counselling and mental-health supports for children, youth and families. Its counselling services support children and youth ages 4–17 with emotions, relationships and difficult life situations. For publicly funded child and youth mental-health services, families are directed to begin with Front Door.
https://www.caminowellbeing.ca/
Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region
Kitchener: 200 Ardelt Avenue
Cambridge: 168 Hespeler Road
Phone: 519-576-0540
Family & Children's Services works with children, youth and families where there are concerns about a child's safety or well-being. Importantly, their work isn't limited to child-protection investigations—the organization emphasizes early intervention, family support and connecting families with community resources that can help children remain safely at home.
Concerned about the safety or well-being of a child? Call 519-576-0540.
EarlyON Child & Family Centres
EarlyON centres provide free programs for children from birth to age six and their parents/caregivers throughout Waterloo Region. Families can participate in play-based activities, talk with early-childhood professionals, connect with other families and learn about other community services.
KidsAbility Centre for Child Development
Address: 500 Hallmark Dr, Waterloo, ON N2K 3P5, Canada
Phone: 519-886-8886 or 1-888-372-2259
KidsAbility supports children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs from birth through school exit. Services include assessment, clinical treatment, specialized therapies, equipment and resources, and support for families.
Emergency Shelter for Youth & Families
Youth ages 16–25
Call: 519-749-1450 — 24/7
Families needing emergency shelter
Call: 519-749-2450 — Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
After hours: 519-501-7947
Waterloo Region's coordinated shelter system includes oneROOF Youth Services for youth ages 16–25 and Safe Haven Emergency Shelter for youth ages 12–18.
Child Care & Financial Assistance
Region of Waterloo Child Care Subsidy
Phone: 519-575-4400
Eligible Waterloo Region families may receive assistance with the cost of licensed child care, before- and after-school care and summer programs. Families can also receive help navigating child-care options and subsidy applications through Early Years and Child Care Navigators.
Families looking for licensed child care can apply through OneList Waterloo Region, the Region's centralized application system.
Starling Community Services — Employment Services
Kitchener: 165 King Street East | 519-743-2460
Cambridge: 35 Dickson Street | 519-623-9380
Starling (formerly Lutherwood) provides free employment services for job seekers, including one-to-one employment counselling, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, career exploration, job-search strategies, connections with employers, and access to training and funding opportunities.
https://starlingcs.ca/employment
Region of Waterloo — Employment Services
Phone: 519-883-2100
Email: employmentontario@regionofwaterloo.ca
The Region is an Employment Ontario provider offering free, personalized employment assistance. Employment consultants can help with résumés and cover letters, interview preparation, job-search techniques, career planning, connecting with employers, workplace skills and finding appropriate education, training and upgrading opportunities.
YMCA of Three Rivers — Employment Services
Kitchener: 800 King Street West | 519-579-9622
Cambridge: 250 Hespeler Road | 519-621-1621
YMCA Employment Services provides free assistance for unemployed and underemployed job seekers, including youth. Employment specialists can help with job searching, résumés and cover letters, interview preparation, career decision-making, skills development and accessing training.
House of Friendship — Community Centres & Neighbourhood Supports
House of Friendship operates community centres and neighbourhood-based programs for people and families living on low incomes. Programming includes social and recreational activities, community groups, youth and family programming, and connections to other local supports. Its community-centre staff can also help people navigate resources in their neighbourhood.
https://houseoffriendship.org/how-we-help/family-neighbourhood-supports
CMHA Waterloo Wellington — Self Help & Peer Support
CMHA Waterloo Wellington offers free peer-support groups for adults throughout Waterloo-Wellington. Groups are facilitated by trained peer supporters who have lived experience related to the topic being discussed.
Importantly, its drop-in groups do not require an intake or waitlist, making them a particularly accessible option for people looking for connection and support. Virtual and in-person options are available.
https://cmhaww.ca/programs/group-and-peer-support
City Recreation & Community Centres
The cities of Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge offer community centres, recreation programs, fitness, swimming, arts and culture, drop-in activities and other opportunities for social connection.
City of Waterloo — Fee Assistance
Eligible Waterloo residents can currently receive up to $400 per person per year toward City recreation, affiliated minor sports, arts and cultural programs.
https://www.waterloo.ca/feeassistance
City of Kitchener — Leisure Access
Eligible Kitchener residents can receive $400 per person per year toward City and neighbourhood-association programs, including swimming, camps, recreation, older-adult programming and other activities.
https://www.kitchener.ca/feeassistance
City of Cambridge — Activities for Less
Cambridge offers fee assistance to eligible residents who cannot afford City-run recreation programming.
https://www.cambridge.ca/recreation-culture/activities-guide-program-registration
Grand River Transit — Affordable Transit Program
The Affordable Transit Program (ATP) provides discounted Grand River Transit fares for Waterloo Region residents living with low incomes. Eligibility is based on total household income, and approved households can receive discounted stored-value fares and monthly passes.
https://www.grt.ca/fares-and-payment/affordable-transit-program
Grand River Transit — MobilityPLUS
GRT Customer Service: 519-585-7555
MobilityPLUS provides specialized public transportation for people whose disability affects their ability to use regular GRT buses or ION trains. Registered customers can book trips in advance within Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, with specialized transit also available in the townships.
https://www.grt.ca/mobilityplus
Public Health Neighbourhood & Peer Programs
Region of Waterloo Public Health: 519-575-4400 ext. 5897
Region of Waterloo Public Health provides neighbourhood-based programming at community locations throughout the Region. Public Health also partners with local organizations to train peer health workers, who provide health information, connect people with resources and help strengthen social connection within their communities. There are currently peer programs operating through 15 community organizations.
211 Ontario — Find Community Services
Call: 211
211 connects people confidentially with social services and community programs. Its directory covers community programs, disabilities, family services, financial assistance, food, health care, housing, mental health and addictions, newcomers, older adults, youth and many other needs. People can call, text, chat or search the online directory.