Our History

1983

•  In 1983, several family members came together to look into finding ways to support their children who were suffering from persistent mental illness. Many of these individuals were being released from long term care facilities back into their own communities, and there were few housing options available.
• On December 1st of this year, Board Members came together and Gateway was incorporated.

1986 

• The first round of funding came from the Ministry of Health and Long term Care in the sum of ($210, 512).
• Gateway hired Pat Crawford as the first Program Director. Under her direction, Gateway started to provide Community Support Services to individuals living in the community.

1988

• Gateway purchased their first group home at 23 Griffith Street in Welland. Programs and services were offered 24 hours a day. This year Gateway also opened their doors to their first official office site at 242 East Main Street in Welland.

1999

• Gateway saw a need for more transitional housing, 242 West Side Road (Port Colbrone House) was purchased and the doors were open for more programming. Individuals lived independently in this home with non-custodial care

2000 

• The Community Treatment Order Program that would provide Intense Case Management started in 2000. Two full time and one part time staff were hired to start this program in partnership with the Niagara Health System.

2001

• Gateway receives funding for the Homelessness Initiative Phase II Program. This created 36 supportive housing units in Niagara.
• Gateway hired a full time Property Manager, 4 full time Case Managers that included support from a mental health aid and a public health nurse. Gateway also provided property management services to Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara and the Oak Centre.

2004 

• Gateway Residence of Niagara Inc, legally changed their name to Gateway Residential and Community Support Services of Niagara. The board of directors felt this change reflected our mission to move forward with providing more affordable housing for individuals living with mental illness

• 2007 marks an important year in Gateway’s history. The need for more affordable housing continues in Niagara. The Homelessness Initiative Phase Two program is granted additional funding for 20 additional supportive housing units.
• Construction is completed on Gateway’s first affordable housing project. The Dr. Peter Grant Haven of Hope opened at 178 King Street in Welland. This building provides 28 supported, affordable housing units and on site administrative offices and support services.
• Here is a video capturing the moments before, during and after the special event: