Guelph is set to open a new daytime drop-in space for people experiencing homelessness on January 12, addressing a gap in daytime supports. The city is partnering with local shelters Stepping Stone and Royal City Mission to provide access to food, washrooms, and connections to health care and housing services. The initiative is funded through a new two-year commitment of $850,000 annually.
Mayor Cam Guthrie emphasized the importance of a professional, safe, and trustworthy space where vulnerable people can access help beyond overnight emergency shelters. Initially, Royal City Mission will host the drop-in space until March while renovations are completed at Stepping Stone’s Gordon Street shelter, after which the program will move there.
Stepping Stone executive director Gail Hoekstra highlighted the program’s trauma-informed, low-barrier approach, designed to meet immediate needs while supporting long-term housing stability and community connection.
The daytime space is part of a broader municipal response to homelessness, including a $877,000 winter program for people living in encampments. Guthrie noted the increasing financial burden on cities and stressed that many homelessness issues stem from mental health and addiction, which are provincial responsibilities. Hours and a full list of services will be released when the space opens. The initiative represents a coordinated local effort to provide consistent, supportive resources to people experiencing homelessness in Guelph.
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