NEWS RELEASE
STEPPING STONE
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The organization formerly known as the 'Welcome In Drop In Centre' has changed its name to Stepping Stone to better align with its mandate to address homelessness in Guelph-Wellington. Stepping Stone was chosen because it is also the name of the organization’s first shelter, established under the leadership of its founder, Sister Christine Leyser.
“As an organization we’ve been addressing homelessness since 1985, but our former name no longer reflected the scope of the work we do in our community,” says Gail Hoekstra, Executive Director of Stepping Stone. “In 2020 our board officially recognized that the biggest challenge facing the individuals we support is housing and housing stability, and we decided to formalize that priority.”
Early in the pandemic, Stepping Stone was part of a community-wide response to provide indoor spaces for individuals who are experiencing homelessness to shelter in place or quarantine. The 'Drop-In' building that once provided a daytime gathering place and meals at 23 Gordon Street became an emergency overnight shelter, and 'drop-in'-style services were adopted by the Royal City Mission.
“We were already having discussions about transitioning some services to Royal City Mission pre-pandemic because they expressed an interest in hosting meals there after completing a kitchen renovation,” says Hoekstra. “It was a team effort, and we are so grateful for all of our community partners who have responded to meet the needs in our community.”
Stepping Stone currently has 45 staff members leading a 24/7 supportive shelter, emergency overnight shelter, outreach services, homeless diversion initiatives, housing stability initiatives, and permanent supportive housing through its Grace Gardens property.
There are currently 103 individuals on the By-Name List in Guelph-Wellington in need of housing. Individuals in need of emergency shelter can call the Diversion Line at 226-821-3345.
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