A Safe Place for Healing and Hope
At Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, our safe shelters offer a secure, supportive environment for women, gender-diverse individuals and their children who are experiencing domestic violence. If you need immediate safety or want support in the next steps of your journey, we are here to walk alongside you.
What Safe Shelter Means
Our safe shelter services are more than shelter. We provide:
Safety and Security
Secured locations and trained staff available 24/7.
Support and Advocacy
Practical support with legal needs, housing options and next steps.
Healing Programs
A menu of programs specialized for women and children to heal and move forward.
Our Safe Shelters
Emergency Shelters:
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Haven House in Cambridge
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Anselma House in Kitchener
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Transitional Housing:
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- Aspen Place in Kitchener
- Curated housing menu in collaboration with community partners
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Each shelter offers the same level of care, support and safety.
How to Access Safe Shelter
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. To speak with someone now, call one of our 24/7 support lines at 519-653-2422 or 519-742-5894 or use the online chat at the bottom right corner. Then, a trained support worker will help you explore your options and arrange safe shelter if needed.
Outreach Support
Although not everyone needs to stay in an emergency shelter, some may still require support. If you are experiencing domestic violence but have a safe place to live or are choosing not to leave, our Outreach Program provides confidential, community-based support. Outreach workers can meet you in the community or at a safe location to discuss your options like safety planning, legal need, counselling and more.
We Respect Your Judgment
We are here for you, no matter your decision. WCSWR is dedicated to providing tools that enable informed decisions, promoting safe families.
If you decide to leave
Call our 24-hour support lines 519-653-2422 or 519-742-5894 or use the online chat in the bottom right corner to speak with a trained support worker today.
From there, we will explore safe options for you, including a safety exit plan, if applicable.
If coming to Women’s Crisis Services, you and your child(ren) may stay for up to twelve weeks*.
If you decide to stay
If you decide to stay, but are in need of support or information, call our 24-hour support lines 519-653-2422 or 519-742-5894 or use the online chat in the bottom right corner to speak with a trained support worker today.
Our Residential and Outreach team can assist you in creating a safety plan, finding counselling, resources and information that keep you and your family safe.
*Due to the uncertainty and difficulty some may face in finding safe, affordable housing, these stays may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis.