A new home for St. John’s Kitchen and community space in Kitchener is progressing with the help of a $2.2 million federal grant and community donations. Operated by The Working Centre, the Victoria Campus Community Centre will serve as an inclusive and sustainable space for drop-ins, shared meals, and activities for those in need. Located at 97 Victoria St. N., the center will feature 44 transitional housing units.
Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger announced the funding, which comes from the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The facility will include large windows for natural light, public bathrooms, laundry facilities, and on-site storage, all designed to foster a welcoming atmosphere.
Expected to assist around 2,000 individuals facing homelessness or precarious housing in the Waterloo Region, the center reflects The Working Centre’s nearly 40-year commitment to addressing poverty and unemployment. Director Joe Mancini highlighted the project’s environmental focus, noting that the building will utilize heat pumps, solar panels, and other energy-efficient measures to reduce carbon emissions.
Additionally, The Working Centre received a $150,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for kitchen equipment. Groundbreaking took place in August 2023, with the center anticipated to open in 2025.
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