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.

• Gateway gets approval for their 4th construction project of affordable housing in Niagara Falls. Ground breaking for this 9 unit building will begin in 2016.

• 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.

• Gateway’s latest construction project Berard House consisting of nine, one- bedroom apartments is completed in Niagara Falls on Huron Street.

• 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

• Our first Outreach position was funded because the need was so intense that an additional position was established early in 2018.

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.

• Home for Good Program established – working with individuals experiencing homelessness who have a mental health issue and an addiction. Niagara Falls units.

• 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.

• Home for Good Program build – Shovel in the ground to build eight units of affordable housing for the Home for Good Program in Port Colborne.

• 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

• Gateway and Mainstream announce Strategic Alliance. We envision that by coming together and sharing resources, people will receive better, innovative supports from two stronger organizations.

2007

• 2007 marks an important year in Gateway’s history. The need for more affordable housing continues in Niagara. The Homelessness Initiative Phase II 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.

2019

• A Joint Board Working Committee was established

2009

• The Good Food Box Program is started in Welland, giving individuals the opportunity to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Niagara.

• Canal View Homes officially transferred its assets to Gateway and is now owned and operated by them.

2010

• Grundy House on 160 Ontario Street is the completion of Gateway’s second construction. This project is in partnership with Mainstream Services. Grundy house provides 9 supported housing units to those who are mentally ill or and having a developmental disability. 

2019

• Under the Strategic Alliance, Gateway and Mainstream hired a Human Resources Director 

• Gateway’s third construction project Repei Place is completed in Port Colborne on King Street. Gateway transformed Agro Midtown Bowl in Port Colborne into 23 supportive housing units. Community partners in this project include the Oak Center, March of Dimes and Community Living.
• Gateway enters into a partnership with Canal View homes and begins providing property management services and support services to Canal View Homes. The feasibility of amalgamation is explored by the Boards of Gateway, and Open Doors Concepts begin.
• Gateway begins the Housing First Program with 10 housing first rent subsidies from Niagara Regional Housing.

• In January, Gateway opens Robinson Place in Port Colborne – eight units of affordable housing.

• Under the Strategic Alliance, Gateway and Mainstream hired Finance Support Staff

• Three new one-bed units are constructed at 178 King Street in Welland, increasing the building to 31 units of affordable housing at the Dr. Peter Grant Haven of Hope.

• Gateway was successful with our Regional Funding Programming in all three submissions and was chosen as the lead organization of the consortium for all three programs (Outreach, Housing First and Home for Good).  Our Outreach program will work in partnership with Port Cares, Southridge Church and The Raft.  Our Housing First and Home for Good program will work in partnership with Southridge Church.

• In July, under the Strategic Alliance, John Osczypko was named the Executive Director of both Mainstream