The operation of two temporary emergency shelters in Kitchener, which were scheduled to close at the end of April, has been extended for two months. In a press release issued on Friday, the Waterloo region said it had extended its partnership with St. Andrew's Church until the end of June 2022.

This announcement comes two days after the Regional Municipality of Waterloo received a new assessment of the scope of homelessness in the area, hearing that when it comes to camps alone, there are 25 camps known with about 135 people across the region.

The temporary Kitchener shelters were opened to meet the increasing need during the winter months due to temperatures and COVID-19.

Stephanie Mancini from the Working Centre said in the statement: "We faced pressures in the shelter system during the winter."

The Working Centre operates the shelter at St. Andrew's Church. She added: "Expanding these temporary shelters, along with the care and support people receive in our shelters, is vital as we work together to find solutions to the issues facing our community." The Waterloo region provides funding for seven shelters as part of its housing stability strategy.