A temporary shelter from surplus space

After Grace Bible Church became aware that there were no shelters for women in Waterloo Region, they offered surplus space in their downtown Galt church that would support a temporary shelter. Through the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, Regional Council approved funding and commissioned JMA to assist with the conversion of the basement space into a 20-bed, 24/7 model emergency shelter.

JMA provided full services, including design, construction documentation and contract administration. We led the design process, ensuring the shelter meets functional, safety, and regulatory requirements while aligning with the client’s requirements.

JMA is proud of its contribution towards the effort to help end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region. In addition to providing 20 beds, the resulting emergency shelter includes services related to personal safety, mental health, physical health, life skills and gender-based

violence prevention, cultural and spiritual needs, as well as transition support with employment, schooling and housing. We worked to extremely tight timelines in the design and construction phases in order for the shelter to open in Winter.