Sanguen Health Centre Statement on the Impact of Encampment Evictions
Encampment evictions have real and lasting impacts on the health and well-being of those experiencing homelessness. At Sanguen, we believe in solutions that prioritize dignity, continuity of care, and lived experience. Read our full statement on the impact of encampment evictions and why compassionate, collaborative approaches matter.
Ontario judge grants 30-day injunction for safe consumption sites, but site closure remains imminent.
As of April 1, 2025, Sanguen’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site in Kitchener will be closing due to the enactment of Bill 223, which resulted in the loss of provincial funding for all CTS sites, including ours. Additionally, our exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), which legally permits supervised consumption services, expires on this date. Without this exemption and necessary funding, we are unable to continue operations in their current format despite the temporary injunction. Read more here.
Kitchener’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site to close on March 31, 2025.
Kitchener’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site will close on March 31, 2025, leaving a critical gap in harm reduction and overdose prevention services. Sanguen remains committed to supporting those affected—learn more about our plans and the community impact here.
Sanguen 2024 Community Impact Report
At Sanguen, we believe in meeting people where they are—providing compassionate, person-centered care rooted in harm reduction, advocacy, and a commitment to equity. For years, our programs have worked to bridge gaps in healthcare, harm reduction, and social services, ensuring that those most at risk receive the support they need.
Now, for the first time, we are proud to share our 2024 Community Impact Report—a reflection of the work, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped the past year. This report tells the story of Sanguen’s impact in Waterloo Region and Guelph/Wellington: from expanding life-saving overdose prevention initiatives and harm reduction education to strengthening outreach efforts through our Community Health Vans and peer-led programming.
Inside, you’ll find not only the numbers that define our reach but also the stories behind them—the individuals, partners, and frontline teams who make our work possible. With growing systemic challenges, policy shifts, and funding uncertainties, this report also serves as a call to action: to continue advocating for harm reduction, investing in solutions that work, and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible to all, no matter their circumstances.
We invite you to explore the 2024 Community Impact Report and celebrate the resilience of our communities, the dedication of our staff, and the power of harm reduction in action. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind.
Read the full report here:
Sanguen Health Centre Responds to Passage of Bill 223 and Impending Closure of Kitchener CTS
Yesterday marked a devastating day for Ontario. Bill 223, which forces the closure of many supervised consumption sites across the province through changes to zoning laws, has passed through expedited measures , paving the way for the Kitchener CTS to shut down in March 2025. This decision, made through an undemocratic voice vote with no recorded accountability from elected officials, represents a tragic failure of leadership and an affront to the fundamental right to life protected under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Letter addressing Chronic Homelessness, Mental Health, Safety and Addiction Crisis.
On behalf of Sanguen Health Centre, we are writing to express our deep concerns regarding the proposed motion going forward on Tuesday November 5th – “Chronic Homelessness, Mental Health, Safety and Addiction Crisis” that would criminalize encampments and could mandate involuntary treatment for those arrested. While we recognize the challenges surrounding homelessness and substance use, we know from the evidence that this approach will not yield effective or humane solutions. Instead, it is likely to exacerbate harm and prevent meaningful or sustained recovery.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Women’s Homelessness in Cambridge and Waterloo Region.
Our community is facing a quiet crisis. Women and gender-diverse individuals in Waterloo Region, particularly in Cambridge, are experiencing an escalating emergency due to a severe lack of adequate support and shelter. Despite compelling research and data, this issue remains under-discussed, and urgent action is needed from all levels of government to address the growing homelessness crisis among women.
The stark reality is that there are currently no women-specific emergency homeless shelters in the region, forcing many into dangerous and precarious living situations. Read our full letter to learn more about this critical issue and the immediate steps we urge our elected officials to take. Read the full letter here.
Letter in response to statements made by Mayor Cam Guthrie regarding open-air substance use in the City of Guelph.
We are addressing recent statements by Mayor Cam Guthrie regarding open-air drug use in Guelph. As organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable members of our community, we believe it is crucial to respond to the points raised.
Our letter emphasizes the importance of compassionate, informed, and coordinated responses to the national public health crisis of substance use and homelessness. We feel the need to highlight the harmful impact of stigmatizing language and advocate for evidence-based solutions and increased support for essential services.
Read the full letter and learn more about our call to action
Statement from Sanguen Health Centre regarding the decision to repeal the motion.
We are aware of Councillor Hamilton’s decision to withdraw his motion regarding removing barriers for mobile health agencies like Sanguen to provide healthcare in the City of Cambridge. We understand and support this decision.
Since the motion went public, it has sparked many conversations about the ongoing need to provide this type of healthcare, while also engaging with existing relationships between community partners, the Region, and dedicated community members. We believe these conversations will lead to a solution, and the support of these partners has meant so much. Thank you to Councillor Hamilton for trying to help resolve this deadlocked situation, and for creating new conversations about how we can all proceed together to better our city, and Region.