In the early 1970s, two employees of Homewood Health Centre saw a need for a transitional residence for young women leaving Homewood treatment programs. As a result, Wyndham House opened on the Homewood grounds in 1973. In 1982, the 74 Suffolk Street West residence was purchased, and the doors opened to provide a cooperative home to young women aged 16 to 21. While living in a safe and supportive environment, residents worked toward their educational goals and learned the life skills required for independent living. In May of 2000, Wyndham House opened the doors of a second residence in Guelph to provide these same services to homeless young men. Initiated by members of the Guelph Teen Housing Committee, ten years of dedication and hard work came to fruition with the purchase of 51 Bellevue Street. Upon purchasing this property, GTHC merged with Wyndham House. Wyndham House now operates two homes, staffed 24 hours a day, with room for seven residents and two programs at each. It is a voluntary program; each resident agrees to live by the Wyndham House expectations and rules. Partially funded by United Way Community Services of Guelph & Wellington, Wyndham House also receives per diems from Wellington County Social Services and Family and Children's Services. One third of the annual budget is generated through donations and fundraising events. A not-for-profit organization, Wyndham House is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and has a City License to operate two group homes.
Our Mission
Wyndham House, as a registered charitable organization, provides safe and stable cooperative living residences for youth, aged 16 to 21, who would otherwise be homeless. Through full-time educational programs and life skills training, we aim to end reliance on intrusive, long term and costly services and supports by helping our residents be self-respecting, contributing and responsible members of society.
Vision Statement
As a means to carry out its mission, Wyndham House believes in:
- An environment that reflects and promotes equality, self-growth, individual choice and diversity as a means to minimize systemic discrimination and cycles of abuse.
- A consistent and progressive approach to programs and management to support clients, staff and volunteers which meets individual strengths, needs and goals through education, interaction and cooperation.
- An obligation to provide services consistent with our mission statement and an expectation that the community at large has a responsibility to support Wyndham House and recognize it as an integral part of the community.