GUELPH, ONTARIO – In a significant move to support its most vulnerable residents, the City of Guelph has announced an emergency grant of $120,000 to provide essential food and daytime shelter services for those experiencing homelessness. The decision was finalized during a special City Council meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. This one-time funding is specifically allocated to non-profit organizations capable of immediately ramping up services to offer meals and safe indoor spaces for the next six weeks, filling a critical gap during the harshest winter period.
The emergency intervention, led by Mayor Cam Guthrie, comes after a previously planned daytime drop-in center faced unexpected technical and contractual delays, preventing its scheduled opening. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the city will open the grant application process this Friday, aiming to partner with community organizations that can provide immediate relief. In addition to providing warmth and nourishment, these temporary services are intended to stabilize the community’s vulnerable population while the city works toward a more permanent solution.
Looking ahead, the City of Guelph plans to establish a permanent daytime rest center by March 2026 in collaboration with the organization ‘Stepping Stone.’ This upcoming facility, located on Gordon Street, is designed to offer comprehensive support, including two meals a day, laundry services, and shower facilities. Beyond meeting basic physical needs, the project aims to provide specialized assistance for individuals facing mental and physical health challenges, ensuring a trauma-informed approach to long-term housing and community connection.
