Originally posted: May 19, 2026
Updated: September 21, 2026
See past project updates

Update on Homelessness Support Centre

Results of the community engagement process will be presented at Oxford County Council on September 23, 2026. The report to Council provides an update on community feedback on the future Homelessness Support Centre and explains how that feedback will be incorporated into the design and operation of the centre when it opens in spring 2028.

Through the engagement process, community partners identified a range of challenges for those experiencing homelessness, including a lack of secure storage; barriers for specific populations (youth, seniors, those requiring health care); and limited access to basic amenities, like showers and laundry. This group cited a strength of the current system to be the strong level of cooperation and collaboration that exists among community partners.

Top concerns identified by the public included safety and neighbourhood impacts; services and operations (e.g., who is eligible, bed capacity, etc.); and cost and accountability (funding sources, decision-making, etc.).

The top concerns identified by people with lived experience with homelessness included the ability to leave and return throughout the day, 24-hour access, housing support, and showers.

The report to County Council outlines proposed actions for the concerns raised through the engagement process and identifies the tendering process as the next step to complete renovations on the facility. Ongoing updates will be posted to this page.

PS 2026-05: Homelessness Support Centre Engagement Feedback

July 17, 2026

Public information meeting

Oxford County hosted a public information meeting on July 15, 2026, to share details, answer questions, and listen to feedback about the future Homelessness Support Centre in Woodstock.

The meeting was planned to allow residents and businesses located in the area of the new shelter-- 808 Dundas Street in Woodstock-- as well as other members of the community to give input and ask questions on operational aspects of the support centre, safety and security, and other considerations. The meeting included a presentation and a question-and-answer period.

• Presentation slides
• Video recording of the meeting

June 1, 2026

New Homelessness Support Centre in Woodstock marks next step toward “Housing for all”

Oxford County’s goal of “Housing for all” is taking a major step forward with a new Homelessness Support Centre in Woodstock that will offer emergency shelter alongside other services that help transition people out of homelessness and into stable housing.

The support centre, expected to open in spring 2028, will work in partnership with Woodstock’s new Homelessness and Addictions Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub/Wellness Centre to serve residents from across Oxford County who are unhoused or at the risk of becoming homeless. It will offer a single-location 24/7 emergency shelter model offering 55 beds, meal areas, safe storage for personal belongings, on-site laundry, day programs, and on-site security.

Read the full announcement | Watch the video statement