Finding support and access to meals can make a big difference for individuals and families in need. In the Waterloo Region, various community programs are dedicated to providing assistance through drop-in services and meal programs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the available resources across Kitchener, Waterloo, Wellesley, Woolwich, and Wilmot, based on the latest information compiled by the Housing Services department of the Region of Waterloo.
Kitchener:
1. oneROOF (Youth 16 – 25)
- Address: 35 Sheldon Ave. North
- Drop-In Hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Meal Times: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Contact: (519) 742-2788
2. YW Shelter (Females 16+, LGBTQ2S+)
- Address: 84 Frederick St. E
- Contact: Please call for more details and services
3. Ray of Hope Community Centre
- Address: 659 King St E
- Drop-In Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Meal Times: 9:15 am, 12:30 pm, and 7:00 pm
- Marketplace Hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
4. St. John’s Kitchen
- Address: 97 Victoria St N
- Winter Drop-In Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Meal Pick Up: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
5. Tiny Home Takeout
- Address: 56 Duke Street
- Meal Times: Tuesday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
6. Stanley Park Community Centre
- Address: 505 Franklin St N
- Take-Out Meals: Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
7. Salvation Army – Kitchener City Hall
- Take-Out Meal: Sunday from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
8. Food Not Bombs
- Address: Kitchener City Hall
- Meal Times: Saturday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Waterloo:
1. Emmanuel Church
- Address: 22 Bridgeport Rd. W
- Take-Out Lunches: Tuesday to Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Hampers: Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
2. Bridgeport Café – Emmanuel United Church
- Address: 22 Bridgeport Road
- Take-Out Meals: Monday to Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
3. Community Ministry – Trillium Lutheran Church
- Address: 22 Willow St
- Take-Out Meals: Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
4. First United Church
- Address: 16 William Street West
- Take-Out Meal: Fridays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Additional Resources:
Food Hampers and Additional Food Services
- To request food hampers or for additional food services, call 519-743-5573 ext. 340 or visit the Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s website: The Food Bank Network Map.
Street and Youth Outreach
- For street outreach, call 519-577-2095 or 519-502-0454.
- For youth outreach, call 519-742-2788.
Housing Resources
- Housing Resource Centre: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at 41 Weber St. W., Kitchener, or call 519-749-2450.
- Ontario Works: Call 519-883-2100.
- ODSP: Call 519-886-4700.
Support for Staying Housed
- Single Adults: FirstConnect available all hours at 519-624-9133.
- Youth Ages 12-17: Safe Haven at 519-749-1450.
- Families: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm – Call Families in Transition at 519-749-2450.
Emergency Shelters for Youth
- Emergency Shelter for Ages 16+: Safe Haven.
- Youth 12-17: Safe Haven at 41 Weber St. W., Kitchener.
This list aims to connect you with the essential services and support available in our region. For any updates or additional information, please refer to the Region of Waterloo’s website or contact the respective organizations directly.
