New Transitional Supportive Housing Program Opens For Vulnerable Seniors In Guelph

As senior homelessness rises sharply across Ontario, a new transitional supportive housing initiative in Guelph is providing a critical, community-driven solution.

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW), in partnership with Stepping Stone, is pleased to announce the launch of Seniors on Stevenson, an innovative transitional housing program designed for adults aged 55 and older experiencing homelessness and requiring specialized mental health supports.

The Seniors on Stevenson program officially opened on April 1, 2026, and has already welcomed four residents.

Seniors in Ontario are experiencing homelessness at sharply rising rates, driven by unaffordable housing, fixed incomes, increasing health challenges, and a lack of age-appropriate shelter options. National data shows that 32% of shelter users in 2021 were aged 50 and older, more than doubling from 13.5% in 2025.

Locally, the situation is equally urgent. In Guelph, rising rents, limited affordable housing, and income constraints are leaving many older adults at risk of eviction or already unhoused. While supports exist, most emergency shelters are not designed for seniors, and many older adults struggle to find safe, accessible, and appropriate housing.

Seniors on Stevenson directly addresses this gap. The program was made possible through a strong radical collaboration between community partners, leveraging existing funding and resources in new ways to respond quickly to an urgent need.

CMHA Waterloo Wellington has owned the Stevenson Street residence for many years. It was previously home to Discovery House and, more recently, Stonehenge’s Safe Beds Program. When the Safe Beds Program relocated to a larger facility, CMHA WW used the opportunity to reassess community needs, at a time when partners were seeing a significant rise in senior homelessness. Through coordinated effort, partners reimagined the space into a supportive housing program tailored specifically to seniors.

“This program is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations work together and use existing resources creatively to meet emerging community needs,” said Helen Fishburn, CEO, CMHA Waterloo Wellington. “As our population ages, we are seeing more seniors experience homelessness for the first time. Seniors on Stevenson provides safety, dignity, and coordinated care for older adults who deserve a place to call home.”

The residence features four private bedrooms in an all-gender setting, along with shared common spaces that foster connection and community. Residents pay $390 per month, inclusive of utilities and housing upkeep, ensuring affordability for those on fixed incomes. This is managed under the leadership of Tania Resendes.

The program will operate as a one-year pilot while long-term funding options are explored. The home itself reflects strong community support. A professional home stager partnered with Stepping Stone to furnish and decorate the space, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community,” said Perrin Valli, Executive Director, Stepping Stone. “From furniture donations to shared expertise, people stepped up because they believe in supporting our most vulnerable neighbours.”

What sets Seniors on Stevenson apart is its integrated, wrap-around care model, combining housing with clinical and social supports.Residents receive mental health and clinical support through CMHA WW Seniors Mental Health Services, individualized housing stability planning through Stepping Stone,connection to community resources, and coordinated care plans, reviewed every six months.

“What makes this program unique is the coordinated, wrap-around model,” said Jody Weiler, Director of Seniors Services at CMHA WW. “We meet residents where they are clinically, emotionally, and practically, so they can rebuild stability and move toward permanent housing.”

Seniors on Stevenson represents a critical step in strengthening Guelph’s housing continuum by creating a targeted solution for a growing and underserved population. The collaboration between CMHA Waterloo Wellington and Stepping Stone ensures that older adults have access to the right supports at the right time, filling a long-standing gap in the system.