Supportive Housing of Waterloo

Supportive Housing of Waterloo Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW) is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to design, build and operate permanent, affordable, supportive housing

Older adults are now the fastest-growing group experiencing housing insecurity in our community.❗️Recent reports show a ...
06/12/2026

Older adults are now the fastest-growing group experiencing housing insecurity in our community.❗️

Recent reports show a dramatic rise in the number of seniors waiting for housing, challenging the common misconception that all older adults are financially secure in retirement. Rising costs, limited affordable housing options, and increasing support needs are leaving many seniors vulnerable to homelessness.

🎙️Brian Paul, Executive Director of Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW), recently spoke about this issue on The Mike Farwell Show, emphasizing that the stereotype of financially secure seniors no longer reflects reality.

“This is the reality in 2026; it is a myth. There is that perspective or stereotype that older adults are flourishing, and we’re here to say that’s not the case.”

At Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW), we see these realities every day. That's why we are moving forward with plans for new supportive housing opportunities that provide not only a safe place to live, but also the essential supports people need to thrive.

There is reason for hope.🔗 Innovative initiatives across our region, including new supportive housing projects and pilot programs designed specifically for seniors, are demonstrating that solutions are possible when communities, organizations, and governments work together.

Supportive housing works. It helps people move from instability to security, improves health and well-being, and creates stronger, more connected communities for everyone.🏡

Full article can be found on Kitchener City News dot ca

🩵Together, we can ensure that every older adult has access to safe, affordable housing and the support they deserve.

Older adults are now the fastest-growing group experiencing housing insecurity in our community.❗️Recent reports show a ...
06/12/2026

Older adults are now the fastest-growing group experiencing housing insecurity in our community.❗️

Recent reports show a dramatic rise in the number of seniors waiting for housing, challenging the common misconception that all older adults are financially secure in retirement. Rising costs, limited affordable housing options, and increasing support needs are leaving many seniors vulnerable to homelessness.

🎙️Brian Paul, Executive Director of Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW), recently spoke about this issue on The Mike Farwell Show, emphasizing that the stereotype of financially secure seniors no longer reflects reality.

“This is the reality in 2026; it is a myth. There is that perspective or stereotype that older adults are flourishing, and we’re here to say that’s not the case.”

At Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW), we see these realities every day. That's why we are moving forward with plans for new supportive housing opportunities that provide not only a safe place to live, but also the essential supports people need to thrive.

There is reason for hope.🔗 Innovative initiatives across our region, including new supportive housing projects and pilot programs designed specifically for seniors, are demonstrating that solutions are possible when communities, organizations, and governments work together.

Full article: https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2026/06/10/seniors-make-up-fastest-growing-group-in-region-facing-homelessness/

Supportive housing works. It helps people move from instability to security, improves health and well-being, and creates stronger, more connected communities for everyone.🏡

🩵Together, we can ensure that every older adult has access to safe, affordable housing and the support they deserve.

🌱We were honoured to welcome Michael Hayman and the Dillon team to SHOW as part of Dillon's 1000 Days Towards Better Hou...
06/10/2026

🌱We were honoured to welcome Michael Hayman and the Dillon team to SHOW as part of Dillon's 1000 Days Towards Better Housing initiative. Their dedication, teamwork, and generosity helped transform our outdoor spaces through garden refreshes, landscaping, and cleanup efforts that have made a meaningful difference for our residents.

These improvements have created more welcoming, vibrant, and enjoyable spaces where people can gather, connect, and feel at home. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care that the Dillon team invested in our community.

Special thanks to Harley Westman, Justin Doiron, Tristan Lefler, Wendy Chamberlain-Davey, Jessica Rudow, Aliyah Fraser, Paul Rebellato, and everyone who contributed to this project. Your commitment to building stronger communities is inspiring, and we are proud to have partnered with you.

Thank you for helping make SHOW a more beautiful and welcoming place for the people we serve. 🌿

🏡 Building Understanding Through ConnectionSHOW was proud to partner with students from Wilfrid Laurier University on a ...
06/08/2026

🏡 Building Understanding Through Connection

SHOW was proud to partner with students from Wilfrid Laurier University on a research project exploring community perceptions of supportive housing and the experiences, beliefs, and attitudes that shape local understanding.

Through conversations with local business owners, the study found strong recognition of supportive housing as an important response to homelessness, providing safety, stability, and access to essential supports. At the same time, perceptions were often shaped by limited direct interaction, secondhand information, and broader societal stigma.

One message came through clearly: connection matters.

Participants expressed a desire for more opportunities to learn about supportive housing, engage with residents and staff, and better understand the services that help people thrive. The research highlights the value of open dialogue, community education, and meaningful engagement in building stronger relationships between supportive housing providers and their neighbors.

Recommendations included hosting open houses, increasing community communication, and sharing more stories and updates about life within supportive housing communities.

We are grateful to the Wilfrid Laurier University students and everyone who contributed their time and perspectives to this important work. Understanding community perceptions helps us grow as both a housing provider and a community partner.

Together, we can build more informed, connected, and inclusive communities for everyone. 💙

Read the full report here:https://www.showaterloo.org/cmsb/uploads/laurier-examining-local-perceptions-of-show.pdf

🏠 Myth vs. Fact: Understanding Supportive Housing❌ Myth: Supportive housing is just another name for an emergency shelte...
06/05/2026

🏠 Myth vs. Fact: Understanding Supportive Housing

❌ Myth: Supportive housing is just another name for an emergency shelter.

❌ Myth: Residents only get temporary beds and must leave every morning.

✅ Fact: Supportive housing provides permanent, long-term homes where tenants sign leases, pay rent, and enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as any other renter.

Supportive housing combines stable housing with access to services that help people maintain their homes, improve their well-being, and build stronger connections within the community. It's not a temporary stop—it's a place to call home.

Everyone deserves the dignity, security, and stability that comes with having a home. ❤️

The more you know, the better you can help. 👩‍✈️

As we recognize Seniors Month, we also celebrate the resilience, wisdom, and contributions of older adults in our commun...
06/03/2026

As we recognize Seniors Month, we also celebrate the resilience, wisdom, and contributions of older adults in our community. 👵🧓

🩵Recently, one of our residents shared their powerful story in The Record, offering a firsthand perspective on homelessness and what life looks like after finding housing and support. Stories like this highlight the importance of ensuring seniors have access to safe, stable housing and the supports they need to thrive.

At SHOW, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through permanent housing, individualized supports, life skills programming, and meaningful community connections, residents are empowered to rediscover independence and create lasting change. 🏘️

We are deeply grateful to our resident for sharing their experience and helping raise awareness about the realities of homelessness in Waterloo Region—and the transformative impact of supportive housing.

Every story of resilience reminds us why this work matters.

📖 Read the full story from The Record here: https://www.showaterloo.org/blogPost.php?148

06/02/2026

This Pride Month, we proudly SHOW our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. From the Stonewall uprising to today, their strength inspires us to build a safer, more inclusive world for everyone.

On May 28, Executive Director Brian Paul attended the City of Waterloo Senior of the Year Awards Ceremony, a special eve...
06/01/2026

On May 28, Executive Director Brian Paul attended the City of Waterloo Senior of the Year Awards Ceremony, a special event recognizing the outstanding contributions older adults make to our community.✨

🩵We are proud to share that SHOW resident Robert Semple was nominated for this prestigious recognition. Rob’s kindness, encouragement, and unwavering peer support have made a meaningful impact within our supportive housing community. Pictured alongside Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe and Brian Paul, Rob exemplifies the power of compassion and community.

After experiencing homelessness and spending a year in a local shelter, Rob moved into SHOW, where he has become a trusted source of support and encouragement for fellow residents. Many of those he assists are older adults facing health and mobility challenges. Through his genuine care for others, Rob helps foster a sense of connection, belonging, and hope throughout the building.🫶🏘️

We extend our sincere congratulations to this year’s Senior of the Year recipient, Colleen Cooper, and to all 15 nominees who were recognized for their dedication and service. Waterloo is fortunate to be home to such an inspiring group of community builders, volunteers, and leaders who make a difference every day.

Address

362 Erb Street West
Waterloo, ON
N2L1W6

Telephone

+15198868200

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