Taking care of the next generation, together.
Joan’s Place is a supportive housing community for youth and young parents who have experienced homelessness or housing instability.
It provides safe, affordable homes for youth in our community, including young families, pregnant people, and youth who need a safe place to live so they can work towards their personal goals.
The first residents moved in late February 2025, and as of February 2026, 59 young people call Joan’s Place home, including 21 children. Over the past year, 10 babies have been born here, with more young parents currently expecting.
Joan’s Place is more than housing. It is a foundation for new beginnings.
Designed for Long-Term Success
Joan’s Place operates as a hybrid Transitional Supportive Housing model, featuring 39 deeply affordable units, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Alongside stable housing, residents work with on-site Housing Stability Workers and have access to integrated YOU supports within the building, so they are not navigating education, employment, parenting, or healing on their own.
Transitions to permanent housing are based on readiness and stability, not rigid timelines. Some young people are ready to move forward quickly. Others need more time due to trauma, complexity, or family circumstances.
This flexible, person-centred approach leads to stronger outcomes and prevents returns to homelessness.
What Stability Makes Possible
Housing alone is not enough. Stability changes everything.
In the past year at Joan’s Place:
- 9 youth returned to school after not being enrolled the previous year
- 6 youth secured employment
- 27 youth connected to additional supports across YOU, including employment services, counselling, Nurse Practitioner care, pro-social programming, and life-skills development
These are more than statistics. They are turning points; a young person finishing high school, a first paycheque earned, a parent reunited with their child, or a newborn welcomed into safety.
Why This Matters
Youth homelessness remains a significant issue in our community. In October 2025, approximately 275 youth aged 16–25 were unsheltered in London, and that reflects only those connected to services. We know the real number is higher.
Research from the Mental Health Commission of Canada through the At Home/Chez Soi study confirms what we see locally: when housing is paired with consistent case management and support, long-term housing stability increases and returns to homelessness decrease.
Joan’s Place was built on this evidence.
Building Generational Change
Because of you:
Young people have secure, affordable housing
Expectant mothers can focus on their health and well-being
Children are growing up in stability during their most formative years
Youth are reconnecting to education, employment, and community
Families are building the skills and confidence needed for long-term independence
This is the power of supportive housing done well. This is the impact of your generosity.
Thank you for helping create a place where young people can heal, grow, and move forward — with confidence, dignity, and possibility.
Joan’s Place is possible because of generous donors, including the Smith Family, who have chosen to name the facility after their beloved mother, Joan Smith. Joan was a trailblazer for women and a tireless champion of the underdog, including as Ontario’s first female Solicitor General, where she advocated for social change, including altering legislation on gay rights and police conduct.
The Smith Family cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of Joan's Place, February 24th, 2025.
To learn how you can make a positive impact on the lives of young parents and their families at Joan's Place, please contact Heather Hoare, Director of Community Engagement, at 519.432.1112 x 285 or HeatherH@you.ca.