The City of Guelph announced on December 23, 2025, that it will open a new daytime drop-in space for people experiencing homelessness beginning January 12, 2026, in partnership with Stepping Stone and Royal City Mission. The investment is an $850,000 annual, two-year funding commitment approved in the 2026 city budget.
From January 12 to March 31, 2026, services will operate at Royal City Mission’s downtown location at 50 Quebec St., before moving in April 2026 to Stepping Stone’s facility at 23 Gordon St. Both agencies will deliver low-barrier, trauma-informed care under the City’s two-year funding commitment; Stepping Stone has been named the lead agency and is expected to manage the contract pending final approval on January 12, 2026.
City Council approved an $850,000 annual commitment—half of the $1.7 million the agencies had sought in their joint proposal—to support the program for 2026 and 2027. A City of Guelph news release says the funding will help fill a critical gap left when the former drop-in centre at 23 Gordon St. was converted into emergency overnight shelter space during the pandemic.
“Guelph’s most vulnerable residents need safe spaces during the day, and we’re proud to work with Stepping Stone and Royal City Mission to ensure people can access essential services,” said Jodie Sales, General Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Intergovernmental Relations for the City of Guelph. Gail Hoekstra, Stepping Stone’s executive director, added: “Our goal is to provide a trauma-informed, low-barrier space that meets immediate needs while also supporting long-term housing success and community connection.”
The temporary location at Royal City Mission will keep daytime supports running while construction expands 23 Gordon St. to increase overnight shelter beds from 27 to 75. Agency leaders say they hope the new drop-in centre will provide stability and connection for people experiencing homelessness across Guelph.
