Friendship Village:
building a place to belong
Friendship Village is more than a place to stay - it is a home!
At House of Friendship, we believe in new beginnings – and we know that you do as well!
We invite you to be part of this innovative project that will provide a new range of supports designed to meet the needs of individuals who are leaving homelessness behind.
Supportive housing offers a multi-pronged approach, not only providing deeply affordable rent, but also additional supports to meet the complex needs of its residents.
Programming will include recreational activities designed to build community and connection, as well valuable life skills, helping residents grow in independence.
In addition, residents will be able to access on-site mental health, addiction and health services. As residents gain strength and independence, they can continue to stay within the Friendship Village community, transitioning to housing with fewer supports.
This continuum of care will provide stability for the entire community, as well as help individuals grow and flourish.
Designed with the needs of tenants in mind
Designed by Martin Simmons Sweers, with extensive input from direct-service staff, health care providers and existing tenants, the first phase of this project will replace the aging former shelter building at 63 Charles St. E. which is no longer needed as our new ShelterCare facility at 190 Weber St. N. is now up and running.
As part of phase 1, the new building will serve three purposes:
- Create approximately 100 new long-term supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness at the new residence;
- Provide a “community hub” of supports for more than 200 individuals living in supportive and affordable housing residents in both the new facility and existing residences;
- Provide new administrative offices for House of Friendship.
The second phase of the project, to be built at a later date, will add an additional 70 units of affordable housing.
The new supportive housing facility has been designed with careful thought and consideration to meet the long-term needs of community members:
- Community spaces on each residential floor, to enhance connection and belonging for tenants;
- A full medical clinic to provide on-site care for tenants;
- Accessible units on each residential floor;
- A continuum of care for residents, with a range of supports that will allow residents to experience improved stability and independence.
This project is part of the solution to Waterloo Region’s housing crisis by providing more than housing – it’s providing a home that will help individuals exit homelessness for good!
To learn more about Friendship Village, our supportive housing and community hub, or find out how you can help bring this exciting vision to life, please contact Development Director Natalie Schill at natalies@houseoffriendship.org or 519-742-8327 x 122.
CRA Charity #10749-3892-RR0001