About
Marillac Place is a shelter for at-risk mothers and their children, based in Kitchener, Ontario. We provide new and expecting mothers with accommodation, basic life-skills training, child care guidance, and educational opportunities. Our purpose is to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty – one mother and one child at a time. By offering housing, support, and education, mothers leave Marillac Place confident, capable, and with the skills they need to live sustainable and comfortable lives.
Our Mission:
Marillac Place supports new mothers and mothers-to-be facing homelessness in Waterloo Region by providing a safe living environment, teaching parenting & life skills and developing supportive relationships.
Our Vision:
Every mother & child facing homelessness in Waterloo Region has the opportunity to recover and rebuild to ensure a successful future.
We believe that the work we do gives our program participants a foundation which they can use confidently as educated, capable mothers. Marillac Place is a home where women grow and succeed through our Building Blocks For Brighter Futures.
Our Impact
For over 30 years, Marillac Place has been home to more than 1,400 at risk women and children in the Waterloo Region. Women who stayed with us this past year called Marillac Place home for an average of 105 days; a testament of our dedication to their success, and also a demonstration of our commitment to their growth. Nearly 50% of our participants reported previously experiencing abuse. By staying at Marillac Place, these mothers were able to raise their children in a safe and nurturing environment. Furthermore, 82% of our participants reported they suffer from a mental illness, which exacerbates the issues of homelessness and poverty. Our services give these women, first and foremost, food and housing. We then expand our services to offer educational opportunities and childcare guidance to provide new mothers with a foundation of knowledge that they can use to succeed in the future.