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.
DONATE TO OUR 2025 CAMPAIGN
In fact, during 2025, over 35% of those identified in our community as experiencing identify as women and gender diverse. YWCA Housing and Services directly support single women, gender-diverse, and women-led families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness with a tailored approach designed for the gendered experiences of housing instability and homelessness.
%
of those identified in our community as being un-housed identify as women or gender-diverse
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
When you contribute to YWCA’s Keep a Roof Campaign, you directly support residents at Tiny Hope and all other YWCA 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 (Kains St Tiny Homes, Horizon House, Unity House, Harmony House, Fairwinds for Youth, several independent living apartments, YWCA Women’s Residence, and our Women-Led Family Transitional Home)
Your donation will go directly into our supportive housing and poverty intervention programs, helping to meet both immediate needs and long-term goals for the individuals and families we serve.
Funds may be used to purchase:
- New mattresses and bedding – ensuring residents have a safe and comfortable place to sleep
- Essential appliances – a new fridge or stove, which allow families to store and prepare healthy meals at home
- Basic furniture — a table where a family can eat together, a desk for someone returning to school, or a sofa for a youth to finally feel at home
- Hygiene supplies – allowing residents to live with dignity
- Non-perishable food – supporting food security needs
- Program materials – connecting residents through life skills and community
- Transportation – assisting residents to appointments
- Upkeep of shared spaces and improvements that make our housing more welcoming
Every dollar makes a direct impact — helping people not just survive but build a foundation for a better future.
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
“The Port Stanley Lioness Club proudly continues to donate to the YWCA Keep the Roof Program because we believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home. This vital program provides emergency and supportive housing for women, children, and youth who are facing homelessness or fleeing unsafe situations. Thanks to our partnership with Jackpot times Gaming Centre we are all able to help ensure the YWCA can keep their doors open— providing not only shelter, but also meals, counselling, and programs that help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
“From the moment [YWCA] asked us to help, we had to — and now it feels like tradition. We give to the Keep A Roof Campaign because everyone deserves the security and dignity of a safe home. It’s a small act with a big impact.”
“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+ ($20,000)
Duggie & Ted Gill
Platinum ($5,000 – $19,999)
Port Stanley
Gold ($3,000 – 4,999)
The Kielstra Family
Silver ($2,000 – 2,999)
Debbie Hamilton & Associates Ltd
Bronze ($1,000 – 1,999)
Don and Hazel Williams Charitable Foundation
Port Stanley
Donors
$500 – $999
Royal Canadian Legion of Port Stanley – Branch #410
$250 – $499
Luyks Siemens Helder LLP
Simply Pure Water
$50 – $249
Jeanne De Bretan
Monica Smith