Fresh Start Support Services has officially opened its new House of Homes in St. Thomas, a 12-unit supportive housing campus designed to provide safe, stable housing for mothers and their young children.
Located at 118 Centre Street, the three-storey building includes 12 apartments, a large shared communal space, and office areas for support staff.
But it’s more than just housing; it’s intended to be a community where families can heal, rebuild, and start over in a supportive environment.
And the need is significant. Fresh Start says there are more than 1,200 people currently waiting for social housing in Elgin-St. Thomas, and that many women are not even reflected in those numbers because they remain in unsafe or abusive situations to avoid homelessness with their children.
House of Homes was created specifically to address that gap, providing housing directly, rather than placing women on an already stretched waitlist.
At today’s opening, Executive Director Jamie Cann reflected on the journey to bring the project to life.
She also emphasized that the building represents more than brick and mortar. “It’s a place of safety. It’s a place of support. It’s a place where families can begin again.”
Cann also took the time to thank donors, contractors, tradespeople, volunteers, and community partners for helping bring the project to completion, as well as local officials and staff involved in the build.
The House of Homes is now set to welcome families in the coming weeks, with Fresh Start saying the goal is to provide not just housing, but long-term stability and support for women and children beginning a new chapter.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
