Goderich Connection Centre

The Goderich Connection Centre will be a safe, welcoming and low-barrier space where people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, mental health challenges, addictions or social isolation can meet immediate needs and connect with longer-term support.

The project requires funding to renovate the current space into a fully functioning Connection Centre, with the same core facilities offered at the other Centres. The capital work will create staff offices, private meeting rooms, accessible showers and washrooms, a small commercial kitchen, storage spaces, laundry facilities, and other areas required to deliver safe and effective services. Funding is also required to support the Centre’s first year of operations, including staffing and the day-to-day costs of providing these programs and supports.

The Centre will provide access to essentials such as food, showers, laundry, washrooms, phone and internet access, appropriate clothing, warming and cooling relief, and a safe place to connect. These practical supports are often the first step in building trust. As relationships develop, trained staff can help participants access housing supports, mental health and addiction services, health care, identification, income assistance, legal services, food-security resources and other existing community programs.

The Centre will be housing-focused, client-centred and voluntary. Its goal will not simply be to meet immediate needs, but to help people move from crisis toward stability and permanent housing. Rather than duplicating services, the Centre will bring existing community supports directly to people in an environment where they feel safe, respected and ready to engage.

The Goderich model builds on the demonstrated success of United Way Perth-Huron’s Connection Centres in Stratford, Wingham and Exeter. Like the Stratford and Wingham Centres, it is expected to be operated by CMHA Huron Perth.