Taking care of the next generation, together.
Home is a place of safety and security; a place where you can learn and grow.
Joan's Place offers exactly that - a safe and affordable home 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.
Housing youth is vital, but it is only the first step of many, which is why Joan's Place is more than just a place to live.
Joan’s Place is here to help young people escape homelessness and create a new cycle, for themselves and their young families. With a wraparound model of care, this new downtown hub allows youth to be exactly that: young people — learning, gaining experience, and growing.
In addition to providing housing, Joan’s Place will bring together multiple local organizations that offer youth primary and mental health care, addiction services, education, employment, and housing supports, ensuring young people can access the key services they need at the most vulnerable time of their lives, and as quickly and conveniently as possible.
Quick Facts
• Opened in February 2025.
• Features 39 units of deeply affordable housing, including a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.
• Residents have access to mental health & addiction support, parenting resources and family support programs, employment and skills training through YOU's social enterprises, health and wellness services, and community-building activities.
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.
Contact Heather Hoare at 519-432-1112 ext. 285 to get started as a Joan’s Place supporter.