Welland’s Hope Centre is proud to announce that it has been chosen by the Niagara Region to operate their Housing-Focused Shelters in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. The Hope Centre has a long history in providing housing focused shelter supports, from the days at the Hope House to our current shelter located on Ontario Road in Welland.
Niagara Regional Council, at its meeting on July 24, 2025, ratified the direction of the Public Health and Social Services Committee and the recommendation of staff based on the results of the Negotiated Request for Proposal issued by the Niagara Region.
Effective November 1 2025, the Hope Centre will begin to operate the Riordan Street Shelter in St. Catharines and the Summer Street Shelter in Niagara Falls. The organization will manage daily operations, support vulnerable individuals and help them move toward housing and stability.
Since 1974, The Hope Centre has been committed to supporting Welland’s most vulnerable, through the provision of food security, counselling and housing supports. The organization has been providing emergency shelter services for twenty years, starting with the Hope House and continuing to this day with a Housing-Focused Shelter for families and, as of December 2024, the Ontario Road facility, which serves individuals and couples.
Message from Jon Braithwaite, Chief Executive Officer of The Hope Centre:
“Being awarded the additional Housing-Focused Shelters is a testament to The Hope Centre’s staff – at our current shelters and at our Hub at 570 King Street. We would not have even considered submitting the Request for Proposal if not for the compassion and capabilities of our staff.”
While the Hope Centre broadens its reach in Niagara, it is emphasized that the shelter expansions are funded entirely under contract with the Niagara Region. Local donor contributions will not be used for shelter services.
“This expansion will not move resources or donations away from our made-in-Welland programs – they will be run by the same trusted team, and the community donations and grants that make them possible will stay in Welland. Every dollar raised in Welland goes to help Welland’s vulnerable population,” stated Braithwaite.
As Niagara faces the pervasive homelessness crisis, The Hope Centre is focused on helping those in need build pathways back to permanent housing. The Housing-Focused Shelter on Ontario Road has operated at full capacity since opening in December 2024, with 162 unique visits to date and achieved the following: 25 guests have transitioned to housing, with approximately 70 percent of housed clients staying housed after 180 days.
The Hope Centre also recognizes the impact that the shelters can have in a neighbourhood and take seriously the concerns of nearby residents. The shelters will continue to operate with clear protocols, trained staff and structured oversight. Staff are empowered to quickly address issues and work with local partners to ensure stability for both guests and neighborhoods.
As the organization works toward bringing the other shelters on board, further communication on the transition process will take place.
“Without our incredible staff, volunteers and donors, the work we do would not be possible. The Hope Centre looks forward to continuing to serve Welland and make strides toward combating the pervasive homeless crisis in Niagara,” concludes Braithwaite.