Our Roots

Shelter House has been a cornerstone of compassion and support in Thunder Bay since its founding in 1982, dedicated to serving individuals experiencing houselessness with dignity and care.

Over the years, we have evolved to meet the growing and changing needs of our community, expanding our programs and services to better support those facing systemic barriers. A significant milestone in our journey came in 2002 when we moved to our current location, a thoughtfully designed and accessible building graciously provided by the Fort William Rotary Club.

This new space allowed us to enhance our capacity to offer essential resources, a safe refuge, and a sense of hope to our city's most systemically vulnerable. Through decades of unwavering service, Shelter House continues to stand as a symbol of possibility and resilience for our community.

Shelter House’s Managed Alcohol Program (MAP), Kwae Kii Win, launched in 2012, was created to address the complex needs of individuals experiencing chronic alcohol dependency and houselessness. The program’s name, Kwae Kii Win, meaning “turning point” in Anishinaabemowin, reflects its transformative impact on participants’ lives.

Recognizing the urgent need for a harm reduction approach, MAP provides a safer, more stable environment for participants while reducing the harms of unmanaged alcohol use and fostering overall well-being. This innovative program has become an essential part of our services, significantly improving participants’ quality of life and reducing their reliance on emergency services.

Kwae Kii Win

In 2025, Kwae Kii Win will move into a newly renovated building, offering a dedicated and thoughtfully designed space to enhance program delivery. This expansion underscores our commitment to compassionate, culturally informed care and innovative solutions that help participants regain dignity, stability, and hope for the future.