Purchase Finalized for Homelessness Support Centre

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Monday, 1 June 2026 15:40

Oxford County has officially purchased the old YMCA building in Woodstock to make it a homelessness support centre.

OXFORD COUNTY - The new homelessness support centre has been made official.

Oxford County purchased the old YMCA building on Dundas Street in Woodstock, with the deal officially closing on Friday. It is expected to open in the spring of 2028 and will offer a single-location 24/7 emergency shelter model offering 55 beds, meal areas, safe storage for personal belongings, on-site laundry, day programs, and on-site security. It will also supply on-site professional staff to help unhoused people find employment, mental health and addictions support, permanent housing, and other types of support. Office space will also be made available to other community agencies. Warden of Oxford County Marcus Ryan speaks to why this is a crucial step to take.

"The goal of the new centre is to reduce the demand for a shelter, to transition people out of homelessness: anything less than "housing for all" is just not enough. The centre will make a world of difference to anyone sleeping under a tarp or a bridge, and to us all-the entire community will benefit. Thanks to the support and commitment of the City of Woodstock and partners like Woodstock Hospital and Oxford OHT in getting the HART Hub up and running, we are putting into place a key piece of our response to our housing and homelessness strategy."

Mayor of Woodstock, and County Council Councillor Jerry Acchione says there is still lots to figure out for the project.

"This announcement represents an exciting and meaningful step forward for our community. I understand that residents and local businesses may have questions about this project, and that’s a good thing-- it opens the door for open, constructive, and collaborative conversations as we move through the planning process together."

Acchione adds that he is excited to continue in the process.

"A centralized 24/7 Homelessness Support Centre will bring critical services together in one place and help our community transition from an emergency response approach to a truly supportive model focused on helping individuals move out of homelessness and into stable, long-term housing. I’m eager to continue working alongside residents, businesses, community partners, and Oxford County to ensure every voice is valued and included as this project moves ahead."

The building was purchased for $4.55 million, and there has been a $3 million budget set for renovations. Money will be coming from the County's two housing reserve funds, which are up to $5.55 million, a Building Faster Fund contribution from the City of Woodstock at $2.05 million, and the Federal Safe Restart fund, totalling $200,000.

There is an estimated operating cost of $2.4 million per year, and it will be funded in part through Ontario's Homelessness Prevention Program. The County is currently putting aside approximately $1.9 million in provincial funding each year for shelter services and homelessness support.

This month, Oxford County staff will bring forward an explanation of how the community, particularly residents and businesses in the area, will be updated throughout the project from now until its opening and initial stages of operation. The public will also have an opportunity to give input on operational plans for the support centre, safety and security, and other considerations.

If you would like to stay up to date while this project continues to take shape, you can click here and find all the information, as well as provide your questions and feedback.