House of Friendship gets $8.5M to purchase former Comfort Inn for 24/7 shelter

The House of Friendship is purchasing the former Comfort Inn in Waterloo and converting the building into a full-time shelter, thatwill support 100 men.

The Ontario government announced $8.5 million in funding for the House of Friendship on Wednesday, to purchase the hotel on Weber Street. House of Friendship executive director John Neufeldsaid the hotel will undergo some renovations before a planned opening thisspring.

"We will be doing come construction to some of the spaces so that it's not just rooms," said Neufeld. That includes treatment rooms, office and places for people to gather.

"I think the hotel is ideal to do that," Neufeld saidduring an announcement Wednesday morning.

This past year was a difficult one for the shelter as it struggled to find a permanent space. A fire in February, 2021 forced the men to move out of the Inn of Waterloo. Temporary accommodations were found in Guelph but then in November,House of Friendship wasalmost forced to closeits men's shelterentirely.The organization was able to find atemporary shelter location and housing for 70 men.

Neufeldsaid it was then that he sent out an "SOS email" to Kitchener-Conestoga Progressive Conservative MPP Mike Harris.

"When I heardthere was an opportunity to assist the House of Friendship in continuing to provide this crucialprogram to our community, I had to get involved," Harris said Wednesday.

Neufeld said House of Friendship will restart its 24/7 Shelter Care program once the new location opens in Waterloo, noting the program has been successful in helping the men they serve find housing and help their overall well-being.

Region to fund shelter

Region of Waterloo Chair Karen Redmansaid the municipal government will provide fundsto keep shelter going.

"It will be enough to have operational costs covered, as well as any financial obligations for the acquisition of the facility," she said.

The $8.5 million in provincial funding is through Ontario's Social Services Relief Fund.The Shelter Careprogram provides those staying in the shelter with meals andwrap aroundservices like addiction treatment and mental health supports 24/7.