Project Tiny Hope

The Need in our Community

Like many communities across Canada, we are experiencing a housing crisis with a lack of affordable rental units.  With increasing rental rates and limited housing stock, many individuals and families find themselves living in substandard conditions, couch surfing or accessing shelter. With the cost of living increasing families are forced to make the impossible decision of buying food or paying rent.  Our community desperately needs to create new supportive housing options that are affordable and adequate.  Our new build at 21 Kains Street will provide stable housing with personalized supports to build life stabilization as the foundation to build upon other goals such as economic security, wellness and community connectedness.

Affordable Housing at 21 Kains Street

The creation of new YWCA rental units will be inclusive to diverse populations from all walks of life.  A mix of one, two and three bedroom rental units will accommodate adults, youth and families. Each tiny home will be equipped with a full kitchen, bathroom, laundry, private bedrooms and living room providing dignity and comfort. Our tiny homes will be built to net zero ready standard providing a far more energy efficient and less expensive home to operate. These homes are healthier, quieter and more comfortable. Doug Tarry Homes will be the lead builder for our housing expansion and with their knowledge and expertise these homes will be both comfortable and beautiful. 

A YWCA Program House will be central to the property. The facility will be a shared experience with gathering spaces, meeting rooms and a collective learning kitchen accessible to all residents. This welcoming Program House will provide an inviting spot for residents to gather, attend programs, socialize, and connect with other residents or visitors.

Services and Supports

Our residents will come from all walks of life and as such, those who may require case management will be supported by their existing support services or if needed, introduced to a YWCA support with a focus on housing stability and personal well-being.  We will offer case management, system navigation, life skill development, community building events and opportunities to participate in group-based programming such as: financial literacy, food security or skills training.

Applications

Applications will not be accepted through the YWCA. Individuals already on housing and homelessness lists through the YWCA and in St. Thomas-Elgin who are in need of supportive housing will be considered a priority.

Please note, donations of $1,000 or higher will be recognized on our website and social media unless otherwise notified. Online donations accepted up to $999 through our Square Online Payment System. For donations greater than this amount, you may provide e-transfer to finance@ywcaste.ca, donate by cheque to ‘YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin’ or in person at our main office. Please indicate if you donation is for Project Tiny Hope or our Adopt a Home Campaign. 

We are committed to a housing-first approach because we believe that a stable, secure home is the foundation for building a better future. When individuals and families have a safe place to call home, they can focus on essential life skills, securing employment, accessing food, continuing their education, and more.

Our goal goes beyond providing a roof over the heads of women, youth, and women-led families at 21 Kains Street. We aim to transform their house into a home- a space where they can thrive.

To achieve this, we are launching our Furnishing the Future – Adopt a Home Campaign, which will allow us to purchase the essential furniture and appliances needed to make each of our 40 units a comfortable, welcoming place to live.

By supporting this campaign, you will help us ensure that every individual and family has not only a safe space to live but also the comforts they need to thrive and feel truly at home.

Furnish a 1-bedroom at $5,000, a 2-bedroom at $6,000 and a 3-bedroom at $7,000. 

You can help make a house a home – Donate Today!

*Ask about our multi-year pledge opportunity. Contact our Fund Development Coordinator Sarah at slounsbury@ywcaste.ca to pledge your donation today. 

Donations accepted by

Phone (519) 631-9800
E-transfer to finance@ywcaste.ca (please indentify ‘adopt a home’)
Cheque (payable to YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin)
In Person Mon-Fri 9am-12pm / 1pm-4:30pm

Thank you to our Adopt a Home Donors

Anne-Marie Nicli
Arlene & Terry Campbell Charitable Foundation
C & J Wright Family Fund within the London Community Foundation
Glynis & David Ramsay
Helen & Gerald Phillips (BPLM Limited)
Julia Kolb
Lioness Club of Port Stanley
Liz & David Currie
Royal Canadian Legion St.Thomas – Branch 41

Project Tiny Hope Capital Campaign Committee Members:
Bryan White, Andrew Gunn, Laurie Intven, Andrea Hayes, Marla Champion, Sarah Lounsbury and Lindsay Rice

We are truly honored to recognize our Circle of Hope Leaders—visionary individuals and organizations who have contributed $10,000 or more to Project Tiny Hope. Your generosity makes you true champions in our community, and your support creates lasting, tangible change!  An investment in affordable housing is an investment in the future of St. Thomas, providing stability, hope, and opportunity for generations to come. Thank you for being an integral part of this vital mission. 

Project Donors & Pledges

$3 Million

$1+ Million

$500,000

Tarry Hope Foundation

The McLorn Family Estate

$250,000 – $499,999

$150,000 – $249,999

$100,000 – $149,999

$50,000 – $99,999

Landscape Installation Partners: Beamish Landscape Services, Kettle Creek Landscaping, Peeters Landscaping, Second Nature Landscaping & Sparta Tree Spade

$10,000 – $49,999

$1,000 – $9,999

Liz and David Currie
Locky Lane Visual Design
Lori and Joel Kielstra
Louis Beneteau
Margaret Carroll
Mary Jane Ferriman
Mary Rutten
McBain Signs & Graphic Design
Monique and Malcolm Wood
Municipal Retirees Organization of Ontario
Pharmasave – Elgin Mall Pharmacy
Pharmasave – Shedden Pharmacy
Retired Women Teachers of Ontario
Rick Harper – in memory of Marlene Harper
Royal Canadian Legion St.Thomas: Branch 41
Royal LePage Triland Realty
Sharon Battley
Shedden Oddfellows #310
St.Thomas Elgin Home Builders’ Association
St.Thomas Oddfellows #76
Stefanie Coleman and John Bos
Stirling Chapter IODE
Supreme Rebekah Lodge
Talbotville Optimist Club
Tammy Kennedy
The Clearing
The Forever Legacy Foundation
The Lawson Foundation
Van Simpson
Yurek Pharmacy
2089317 Ontario Limited