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Housing connections

Who can request services

People in need of housing in the Waterloo Region.

Fees for the program

Services are voluntary and at no cost.

Our Approach

CJI’s Home Share and Open Homes programs connect people in the Waterloo Region who need housing with home providers. We also match people who want to share rental space in a cohousing arrangement. CJI helps cohoused people discuss expectations, develop agreements, and navigate conflict. 

Open Homes is specifically for refugee claimants.

Waterloo Region Home Share

CJI facilitates Home Share relationships and promotes safety and effective conflict resolution.
Home sharers agree beforehand what their home share will look like, which can reduce future conflict. CJI’s ongoing support includes follow-up mediation, conflict coaching and other supports. We work with you to create the best chance of a successful home share.

Want to request a home or share your space?

Contact Us

The Home Share process can include the following steps:

  • Application

  • In-depth interviews to determine if Home Share is right for you

  • Home visit

  • Introductory meeting between potential home sharers

  • Reference checks and police checks

  • Home Share mediation to talk about living arrangements

  • Move-in and ongoing support

Home Share Benefits

  • More affordable than other housing options

  • Get to know someone new and build a collaborative relationship together

  • Distribute household work, meals, shopping and other responsibilities as you see fit

  • Can help you feel safer and more secure in your space

  • Live more sustainably by sharing household items and energy

Open homes

One of CJI’s newest projects is Open Homes. This grassroots movement, rooted in the Mennonite community, has a rich history of volunteers housing and welcoming refugee claimants. CJI will further the work of these committed community members.

Open Homes is a community of “hosts” who offer medium-term housing for refugees (“guests”). Hosts offer safety, warmth, and relationship for people newly arrived in the Waterloo Region. Guests and hosts live together in mutually supportive community.

Want to become a host or request a home?

Contact us

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CJI has been responding to our community needs for over 40 years

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CJI creatively, and innovatively applies restorative justice principles to challenging community problems.

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