03/04/2026
Dear Community Members,
We are writing to confirm the closure of John Howard Society’s drop-in centre located in downtown Bridgewater. The Department of Opportunities and Social Development, which funds the drop-in centre, has notified us of the closure of drop-in services effective March 27, 2026, and are working collaboratively with us in exploring alternative ways to continue supporting community members in need.
The John Howard Society opened the drop-in centre in February 2024 in response to a pressing need identified by the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (formerly Community Services): the need to support individuals experiencing homelessness in our community, many of whom face addictions and mental health challenges.
Over the past two years, the drop-in centre has served as a daytime safe haven for individuals, offering showers and laundry facilities, clean clothing, coordinated medical and vaccination clinics, addiction and mental health support, nutritious meals, and a sense of community and care.
We recognize that the drop-in centre’s presence raised concerns for many community members in Bridgewater. The John Howard Society has taken those concerns seriously throughout and has actively collaborated on solutions, including hiring additional security personnel and building a gazebo for clients to use as an alternative to public spaces. We are grateful to those in the community who engaged with us constructively during this time.
We want to acknowledge the drop-in centre frontline staff, whose hard work and compassion supported community members in a time of need. We thank them for their dedication and service.
Our mission remains to support our clients in accessing and receiving the services they need to rebuild their lives. We are working in consultation with service providers and the municipality on next steps, with client safety as our top priority.
The John Howard Society will continue to provide supportive housing at Cedar Place and outreach supports throughout the community.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to making urgent, emerging, and long-term options clear as individuals navigate the complex systems, plan for a more stable future, and renew their outlook on themselves and the world.
Sincerely,
The John Howard Society