Strathroy-Caradoc Transitional Supportive Housing Initiative and Community Connection Centre
The numbers tell only part of the story.
Behind each statistic is a person – a neighbour, a community member – struggling to find safe, stable housing in our community.
Urgent Need
In Strathroy-Caradoc, the housing crisis is no longer a looming threat, it’s here.
- Vacancy rate: 1.1% (one of the lowest in the province)
- Affordability crisis: 45% of renters live in unaffordable housing
- Housing waitlist: 256 people waiting up to 4 years for housing, with almost 1/4 categorized as “urgently homeless”
- No permanent emergency shelters in Middlesex County
For too many, the result is a revolving door of couch-surfing, motel stays, and nights on the street. The lack of local service hubs means residents must travel long distances for help, which is a nearly impossible task for those without stable housing, transportation, or income.
The Challenge of Rural Homelessness
Rural homelessness looks different than its urban counterpart, but it’s no less devastating:
- Geographic Isolation: Vast distances between services make accessing help nearly impossible without transportation.
- Limited Service Providers: Unlike urban centers with multiple agencies, rural communities often have few or no specialized support services.
- Housing Scarcity: With rental market vacancy rates at historic lows, finding any housing – let alone affordable housing – has become nearly impossible.
- Hidden Crisis: Rural homelessness is often invisible – people staying in cars,
couch-surfing, or living in unsafe conditions rather than sleeping rough.
From homelessness to hope
United Way funds programs that provide both immediate needs and also long-term solutions for people experiencing homelessness. Thanks to the generous support of donors, Shayla connected with a caring housing worker through a United Way-funded program. That support changed everything.
“Just to know that you have somebody there to support you and have your back …it means a lot. If I didn’t have that, I don’t think I would have made it this far on my own.” – Shayla, program participant
Shayla’s story is a reminder that with the right supports like housing, mental health care, and someone who believes in them—people can rebuild their lives.
Our Vision: Bringing People Home
United Way Elgin Middlesex has identified a transformative solution: the Strathroy-Caradoc Transitional Supportive Housing Initiative & Community Connection Centre -a dual-purpose facility that addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability.
Phase 1: Transitional Supportive Housing
Bachelor Apartments offering:
- Transitional Stability: Safe, affordable housing for individuals moving toward independence
- Flexible Support: Personalized case management and life skills training
- Rural-Responsive Approach: Flexible move-out dates acknowledging the unique challenges of rural housing markets
- Pathway to Permanence: Support in securing long-term housing solutions
Phase 2: The Community Connection Centre
A space BY the community FOR the community, which could include programs and services such as:
- Resource Navigation: Connecting people to healthcare, financial assistance, and employment opportunities
- Community Meeting Space: Workshops, social activities, support groups, and community-building activities
- Information Hub: Computers, phone access, and comprehensive resource information
Why This Matters Now
The Human Cost
Every day of delay means:
- Individuals sleeping in unsafe conditions
- Families separated due to housing instability
- People falling deeper into cycles of poverty and despair
The Community Impact
Housing instability affects everyone:
- Increased strain on emergency services
- Reduced economic productivity
- Higher healthcare costs
- Weakened community resilience
The Opportunity
We have identified the perfect property at 17-19 Front Street in Strathroy – a 6,000 sq ft mixed-use building ideally suited for this initiative. Because the community need has never been greater, we have secured financing and purchased the property. Now the building must be renovated.
Expected Outcomes
Year One Impact:
- 4-5 individuals housed in supportive units
- 250 unique visitors served at the Community Connection Centre
- Essential services restored to community members in need
Five-Year Vision:
- 12-20 individuals successfully transitioned through supportive housing
- 1,250 total visitors served across all programs
- Measurable reductions in emergency service usage
- Enhanced community resilience and social cohesion
- Model program for rural communities across Ontario
Proven Impact, Trusted Leadership
United Way Elgin Middlesex is the largest non-government funder of social services in our region, with decades of experience tackling poverty and building community capacity.
We invest strategically, advocate for systemic change, and collaborate with partners across sectors to deliver measurable results. For this project, 75% of every gift will go directly to capital and renovation costs, while 25% will sustain the wraparound services that help residents thrive.
We’ve already demonstrated success in addressing housing needs:
- 41 individuals supported through the Interim Accommodation Pilot Project (March 2023-2024)
- Strong partnerships with Canadian Mental Health Association, Middlesex County Social Services, and local providers
- Community-driven approach with input from the Middlesex Homelessness Action Committee
- Evidence-based model drawing from successful rural supportive housing initiatives
The Investment Needed
Phase 1 – Transitional Supportive Housing ($250,000)
Commercial to Residential Conversion (5 units)
- Conversion of residential spaces into 4 bachelor apartments and 1 ground floor accessible units
- Construction and creation of welcoming community spaces
- Ensuring accessibility and safety standards
- Essential furnishings and equipment
Phase 2 – Community Connection Centre
Costs to be determined, after community consultation.
Join Us in Bringing People Home
This is more than a fundraiser, it’s a community movement toward compassion, dignity, and hope. Together, we can:
- End the daily crisis of individuals without safe housing
- Restore dignity through access to basic services
- Build community resilience through coordinated support
- Create a model for rural communities everywhere
- Demonstrate that every person deserves a place to call home
The need is urgent.
The solution is clear. The time is now.
Contact us today to discuss your investment in our community’s future:
Michelle Foote
Director, Philanthropy and Donor Services
mfoote@unitedwayem.ca
226-268-7030
United Way Elgin Middlesex is committed to creating lasting change in Strathroy-Caradoc. Your investment in the Transitional Supportive Housing Initiative & Community Connection Centre will create ripple effects of hope, stability, and opportunity that will benefit our entire region for years to come.