Press Release: County of Wellington, Feb. 27, 2026.
GUELPH – Today, the County of Wellington, along with Stepping Stone, and representatives from the Government of Canada, officially opened the expanded 23 Gordon Street facility.
In Spring 2023, County staff began working closely with Stepping Stone and Grinham Architects to explore ways to expand emergency shelter beds and transitional housing in downtown Guelph.
The facility expansion will provide 24 additional shelter beds and 12 new transitional housing units which will help increase services in the emergency shelter system given the increased experiences of homelessness in Guelph and Wellington County.
“The goal of the County and its community partners has always been to create more safe, stable places for those in our community experiencing homelessness,” said Warden Chris White. “The 23 Gordon St facility will provide 24 additional emergency shelter beds and 12 new transitional housing units with supports, which is an immediate step between an emergency shelter and permanent housing.”
“The official opening of 23 Gordon Street is one of many examples here in Guelph of our Government’s strong commitment to ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens can have a safe and stable environment to call home. This $2.6 million investment from the Affordable Housing Fund helped make this important project a reality. Congratulations to everyone at Stepping Stone whose dedication and hard work brought this vision to life, and to the new residents of 23 Gordon, may you find comfort and stability here,” said Dominique O’Rourke, Member of Parliament for Guelph.
“The expansion of 23 Gordon Street is a testament to the vision and commitment of Sister Christine,” commented Perrin Valli, Executive Director of Stepping Stone. “Sister Christine saw 23 Gordon Street as a place to create hope and foster a sense of community. This expanded facility will be instrumental in supporting the health and wellbeing of those currently experiencing homelessness.”
The transitional supportive housing units will provide individuals with a safe place to stay while receiving – individualized housing focused support services by creating a person centered, strength based, holistic care plan to move forward each individual’s goals in their health and housing journey.
“Facilities like 23 Gordon St will provide support to individuals in their journey to a stable permanent housing solution that meets their needs, and ultimately, prevent a return to homelessness,” said Dave Purdy, Director of Housing Services for the County of Wellington.
The County of Wellington is the Service System Manager of Social Services for the County of Wellington and the City of Guelph.
