KITCHENER, ON, AUGUST 13, 2026 – Marillac Place is thrilled to announce a transformative investment from Kindred Credit Union. It is the first major contribution towards Marillac Place’s emerging vision for how mothers and young children experiencing homelessness or housing instability are supported in Waterloo Region. 

Based in Kitchener, Marillac Place is the only 24/7 staffed, trauma-informed transitional shelter in Waterloo Region dedicated to women who are pregnant, parenting a child under two, or planning to parent regardless of age, racial identity, citizenship, or the circumstances that led to their experience of homelessness. For almost 40 years Marillac Place has been there at one of the most critical moments in a family’s life, offering safety, dignity, and the chance to build something different.  

Waterloo Region is fortunate to have strong community and social services. Each was built to do a particular job, but gaps remain between them. A mother with a newborn has to navigate unique and disconnected services, at the point in her child’s life when continuity matters most. When homelessness and deep poverty are part of that experience, the impact compounds. 

The systems that count and respond to homelessness were built around the adult being served. A child appears as a dependent rather than as a person with needs of their own. In the data that drives regional planning and funding, babies born into homelessness are largely invisible. 

Marillac Place has a vision for a child-centred continuum of care to close service gaps and recognize the individual needs of the child alongside their mother. This vision is in its early stages, with significant planning work needed with service providers across the Region to make it a reality. 

Kindred Credit Union’s landmark investment makes the beginning of that planning work possible, while also sustaining Marillac Place’s current services. Kindred has generously committed $300,000 across three years to support both vision and operations. 

“We are so grateful to Kindred Credit Union for their confidence in our future vision and their support of our current work,” shared Julie Walder, Executive Director of Marillac Place, “Most funding arrives once an idea has been proven. Very little is available for the work that gets an idea to that point. Kindred is contributing before there is a building to point to or a ribbon to cut. They looked at what we are proposing, understood it will take years, and chose to support. That takes real courage from a funder, and it gives everyone else something to join.” 

Walder noted the gift does two jobs at once, “We have to raise 70% of our operating budget this year. That is the gap between what it costs to keep our doors open and what government funding covers. Kindred’s commitment helps close that gap and makes long-term, visionary planning possible at the same time.” 

“We’re excited to begin this partnership with Marillac Place as they continue to build out transformative solutions for mothers and babies in Waterloo Region,” said Jason Daly, Kindred Credit Union Chief Executive Officer. “While our contribution is just the beginning, we see the incredible impact Marillac Place has had and will continue to have to enable stable housing.”  

Marillac Place and Kindred Credit Union look forward to advancing this essential work together. 

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT 

Julie Walder 

Executive Director, Marillac Place 

julie@marillacplace.ca