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Stepping Stone lists a major milestone in its journey as the opening of its new permanent supportive housing facility, Grace Gardens, at the former Parkview Motel at 721 Woolwich St. in 2023.

The shelter said big news is coming soon because an addition to the downtown shelter is nearing completion.

The space began as the Welcome In Drop In Centre, founded in 1983 by Sister Christine Leyser, who partnered with the County of Wellington to establish a separate Stepping Stone Shelter in 1986 for overnight stays.

The Drop In Centre was a community hub for daytime visitors or all ages to find support, food and drink, and a safe space to spend some time.

The organization is now restructured under the name Stepping Stone, and there is a board of directors and newly appointed executive director Perrin Valli. Gail Hoekstra, the organization’s executive director since 2012, has taken on a new role as director of programs and services.

The new roles were announced in a press release issued last month.

“As an organization, we have grown exponentially over the past five years. We now have more than 80 staff and operate across five different sites,� said John Kieffer, chair of the board of directors. “We are lucky to have both Perrin and Gail leading together.�

There are four pillars to the work it does — prevention and diversion, housing focused outreach, shelter support and housing stability. Its vision is for öÏÓãÊÓƵapp to be a city where everyone has a safe place to call home.

In 2024, the organization saw 227 individuals housed through its programs. It supported 358 folks through the 24/7 shelter, 408 through the emergency shelter and had 32 people residing in its supportive housing location. It also connected with 74 people through outreach measures and added 171 individuals to its byname data.

Individuals and families facing homelessness in öÏÓãÊÓƵapp can reach out to Stepping Stone for shelter and support. To get help, volunteer or donate to Stepping Stone, visit .