Homelessness DOES exist in St. Thomas & Elgin County
Many people picture the homeless as those living on the streets, in parks, in doorways and in other public places. But the “hidden homeless” are much less visible and struggling every day.
In 2021, Statistics Canada asked Canadian households if they had ever experienced some form of homelessness in their lifetime. Over one in ten (11.2%) Canadians or 1,690,000 people reported that they had.
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In fact, during 2024, over 25% of those identified in our community as experiencing homelessness were between the ages of 16-24. This is greater than the national average. YWCA Youth Housing and Services directly support youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness with a tailored approach designed for teens transitioning to adulthood.
%
of those identified in our community as experiencing homelessness are between the ages of 16 - 24
Housing is simply not affordable
In 2024, the average market rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas was $1,460. (CMHC-SCHL Primary Rental Market Statistics) The current maximum shelter allowance for an Ontario Works (social assistance) recipient is $390. For someone receiving ODSP, the maximum is $599. (Source: Income Security Advocacy Centre)
Average one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas
Your donation will go directly into our supportive housing and poverty intervention programs
Our housing programs are called “supportive housing” because we provide more than a roof over the heads of women, men, youth, and women-led families. Our residents are linked to a network of services including those that give them the opportunity to develop a variety of life skills. We help them set goals, increase their employability, and become better able to contribute to their community and broader society.
Our Supportive Housing program includes our residences (Horizon House, Unity House, Harmony House, Fairwinds for Youth, several independent living apartments, YWCA Women’s Residence, and our Women-Led Family Transitional Home)
You can become a Sponsor or a Donor
We invite you to show your support through our various giving levels whether you are a business owner, service club, local organization or individual. View our KAR Giving Recognition and Confirmation Form here.
Help us reach our goal of raising $45,000!
DONATE TO OUR 2025 CAMPAIGN
How to Donate
Send an E-transfer to finance@ywcaste.ca (please include your full name, address and phone number within the notes of your transfer which will be used for your charitable tax receipt if $20 or more is donated. Sponsorship not eligible for tax receipts.)
By phone (519) 631-9800 or toll-free at 1-800-461-0954
By mailing a cheque payable to ‘YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin’ 16 Mary St. West, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 2S3
Online (up to $999) through our secure online donation system
“St. Thomas and Elgin have played a big role in helping Hayhoe Homes grow over the years, and we believe in giving back to the community that’s given us so much. The YWCA’s Keep a Roof Campaign is a great example of practical, compassionate support—meeting people where they’re at and helping them take meaningful steps forward.
Over the years, we’ve heard many success stories of young women who found stability through the YWCA’s housing programs. With a safe place to stay and support from caring professionals, they’ve been able to rebuild confidence, gain life skills, pursue education, and take the next steps toward independence.
That’s why we’re proud to support the Keep a Roof Campaign. It’s about more than just housing—it’s about providing the tools and encouragement people need to grow, thrive, and eventually give back to their community.”
Platinum ($10,000+)
Platinum ($5,000 – $9,999)
Port Stanley
Gold ($3,000 – 4,999)
Silver ($2,000 – 2,999)
Bronze ($1,000 – 1,999)
Donors
$500 – $999
$250 – $499
$50 – $249
Jeanne De Bretan
Monica Smith