Five local social agencies are joining forces to combining their efforts for the immediate future.
On Wednesday Royal City Mission, Drop In Centre, Hope House, Wyndham House and the Guelph Community Health Centre announced they will be joining forces to best serve the vulnerable people of Guelph.
One of the big changes is that all food will be received and prepared at Royal City Mission but will then be made available at the Drop In Centre at 23 Gordon Street.
The Drop In Centre will be open 24 hours, with meals provided at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. These hours will remain in place until at least April 15.
Some food will continue to be made available throughout the overnight hours,
Stepping Stone Men’s Shelter will be open 24 hours a day as soon as scheduling allows.
For youth, Wyndham House Youth Shelter at 18 Norwich St. E. is now open 24 hours a day and all meals will be provided. For more information call 519-837-3892.
The downtown youth hub is being temporarily closed as of March 18th to allow for staffing reallocation to support the expanded service hours at the youth emergency shelter. Wyndham House administrative office is closed to visitors at this time.
For women and children, Dwelling Place Shelter for Women and Children is now open 24 hours a day.
For the food insecure, support and grocery items will be available. To book an appointment, please call HOPE House at (519) 265-4299 or email [email protected] or private message them on Facebook to arrange a visit.
The Guelph CHC’s Downtown and Shelldale locations remain open for scheduled, urgent medical appointments. Wherever possible, care is being provided virtually.
A registered nurse and inreach worker are onsite daily at Guelph CHC’s downtown location to provide health care and support to the most vulnerable community members, including the homeless.
Nurse practitioners continue to provide regular walk-in outreach clinics at the Welcome in Drop In Centre. Outreach Workers from the SOS and Welcoming Streets teams continue to provide modified supports.
Consumption and Treatment Services remain open regular hours, now relocated to the lower level of Guelph CHC’s downtown location to provide for enhanced distancing and infection control.
For those looking to help, food donations (including fresh and prepared foods) will be received at the Royal City Mission, 50 Quebec St, hygiene and grocery items will be received at HOPE House from 9 a.m. to 4 pm Monday to Thursday, financial donations will be accepted through a coordinated community fund to be announced soon.
People looking to volunteer:
- To help HOPE House clients access the food market and clothing market, contact Gillian at [email protected] or 519-265-4299
- To help with food and food prep, contact [email protected] or (519) 837-3777
- Drop In Centre- [email protected] or 519 837 0080
- Wyndham House [email protected] or 519 822 4400.
