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Marillac Place provides transitional housing for up to ten women over the age of 16 who are either pregnant or parenting a child under 24 months old, with a stay limit of 364 days. Around the clock, our professional staff team provide personalized support, specifically designed for those without strong or healthy community networks.

Our approach includes creating a community environment where living together and supporting one another encourages participants to envision and work towards a different future for themselves and their children. We strive for equity and inclusiveness, aiming to empower women and give them the strength and resources needed to overcome obstacles.

We are committed to supporting pregnant or parenting women living in poverty, who deal with various challenges including discrimination, financial difficulties, social stigma, mental health and limited access to healthcare. Recognizing the complex obstacles they encounter, such as issues related to gender inequality and other intersecting forms of marginalization, motivates us to advocate for their rights and help empower them. We firmly believe in the value and potential of every person, and we are dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers and fostering pathways to success.

Our residential staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As our participants prepare to move on from Marillac Place, our AfterCare program is there to assist them in transitioning to independent living.

Our Mission – Marillac Place supports new mothers and mothers-to-be experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region by providing a safe living environment, teaching parenting & life skills, and developing supportive relationships.

Our Vision – Every mother & child experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region can recover and rebuild to ensure a successful future.

Our Mandate – Marillac Place provides transitional housing for women aged 16+ who are pregnant, or who have a child in their care, or who are attempting to regain care of their child. Marillac Place can accommodate children up to 24 months of age. Residency is permitted for up to 12 months.

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Watch our video about one mother’s true story of empowerment.

Friends of Marillac Place

Friends of Marillac Place is a special community of supporters who commit to ongoing monthly gifts. These gifts provide a stable source of support that allow us to meet the needs of the mothers and children in our care.

Friends of Marillac Place give in amounts that suit personal budgets. Your pledge will be applied to your credit card every month, and you will be provided with a single tax receipt at the end of the year.

Want to join Friends of Marillac Place by phone?

Call us at 519-571-0722 x2

About Us

Our Mission

Marillac Place supports new mothers and mothers-to-be experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region by providing a safe living environment, teaching parenting & life skills, and developing supportive relationships.

Our Vision

Every mother & child experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region has the opportunity to recover and rebuild to ensure a successful future.

Our Mandate

Marillac Place provides transitional housing to women aged 16+ who are pregnant, or who have a child in their care, or who are attempting to regain care of their child. Marillac Place can accommodate children up to 24 months of age. Residency is permitted for up to 12 months.

Our History

Marillac Place originated as a Special Works Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Kitchener Particular Council). Our name came from Louise de Marillac, who was a follower of St. Vincent de Paul, and who served the sick and the poor in the sixteenth century.

Marillac Place first opened our doors in 1987 as a shelter for abused women. In 1992, we changed our mandate to meet the evolving needs of the community by providing housing and support services for pregnant and parenting women and their children. Our goal is to create a culture of empowerment, security, safety and stability for our participants.

We have rooms for up to ten women (aged 16+) and their children (up to the age of 24 months). Women may reside at Marillac Place either during their pregnancy, or with their child for a maximum stay of twelve months providing the family meets our mandate. We can also accommodate women who have lost care of their child (up to the age of 24 months) through our Plan to Parent Program. During their stay at Marillac Place they can work towards regaining care of their child.

Marillac Place is unique because we offer the option of longer-term transitional housing and 24-hour staff support to our participants. Many of our participants lack healthy family and/or social networks. They need supportive housing that will provide them with time to develop the parenting and life skills needed to live independently in the community. Our participants are strengthened through the peer support aspect of community living. We are committed to providing these women and children with all of the tools they will need to have a happy, healthy future with their children.

Do You Need Help?

Marillac Place provides a safe home for women ages of sixteen and up who are pregnant, or who have a child in their care, or who are attempting to regain care of their child. To find out more, please click below.

We provide special services to women around the clock with professional and caring staff there to aid you or your child when needed. Services like housing, education, referrals and more can be found by clicking below.

If you are pregnant or parenting and need help, we can provide assistance by answering questions you may have, and provide long lasting support and guidance. Please click below for more information on how we can help you.

Do You Want To Help?

Marillac Place works hard to secure grants so that the women and their infants residing here have the necessary resources to nurture brighter futures, and we greatly appreciate donations from the public. To find out more about how you can help us, click below.

Volunteers enhance the mission of Marillac Place through direct and indirect service to the children and women in our home. They are a critical aspect of our operation. Find out how you can become a volunteer below!

If you are interested in working at Marillac Place, we welcome resumes from prospective employees who want to work with mother-led families. Click below for more information.