Information for Community Partners
Since 1989, Starling's Housing Services (formerly Lutherwood) has helped individuals, couples, and families find and retain permanent, safe, and affordable housing across Waterloo Region. Starling Housing Services is a group of related programs operating to reduce housing instability and homelessness within Waterloo Region. This includes Kitchener, Waterloo, Wilmot, Wellesley, Woolwich, Cambridge, and North Dumfries.
Families in Transition (FIT)
FIT works with families who are at imminent risk of homelessness to either prevent homelessness, refer to shelter if needed or rapidly re-house from homelessness.
Eligibility: Families with dependents under 24 years of age and are or at risk of homelessness within 7 days.
To make a referral, please call our Families in Transition (FIT) program at 519-749-2450 or e-mail fitreferrals@lutherwood.ca.
Prioritized Access to Housing and Supports (PATHS)
PATHS staff work to end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region by helping to get ready to accept housing offers, linking with designated housing units, and transitioning back into housing.
Eligibility: Chronically Homeless is defined as a person experiencing 6 months of homelessness in 12 months or 18 months of homelessness over 36 months.
To make a referral, please e-mail paths@lutherwood.ca or call 519-749-2450.
Safe Haven Youth Services
Safe Haven Youth Services is a licensed 10-bed, co-ed facility that offers Crisis, Respite, and Life Launch services in a safe, supportive and caring environment.
When arriving at Safe Haven each youth is engaged in developing their transition/discharge plan focused on family reunification or developing a strategy to secure another safe, permanent living situation. While at Safe Haven, staff support youth in individual and group programs including Life Skills, Social Skills, and Emotion Management; all of which support youth to learn and practice new strategies to promote positive change and improve relationships.
Family mediation and the introduction of long-term community supports, and referrals provided through Safe Haven are essential components in preventing future family breakdown and youth homelessness.
Eligibility: Youth from the age of 12 up to their 18th birthday
Referrals are accepted 24 hours a day by calling 519-749-1450.
For all other inquiries, please call our Housing Resource Centre at 519-749-2450.