Housing Stability, Economic Opportunity, and Community Impact in Niagara Falls
Falls Manor is an innovative, Niagara Falls–based response to the housing affordability and homelessness crisis, particularly for women exiting homelessness, violence, poverty, disability, and systemic barriers.
Led by YWCA Niagara Region, this project transforms a long‑standing, locally loved property into 39 units of supported transitional housing, paired with the continued operation of the Falls Manor restaurant, a Niagara Falls institution since 1953.
This project preserves what the community values while adding what the community urgently needs: housing stability, employment opportunity, and long‑term solutions that reduce pressure on emergency services. This is a game-changer for Niagara to build on its innovative ways while helping those most in need.
A Smart, Community‑Rooted Investment
39 units of supported Stage 1 transitional housing for women exiting homelessness
Up to four years of housing stability with on‑site staff and coordinated supports
Expansion of an established YWCA program from 17 to 39 units
Housing
Continued operation of the Falls Manor restaurant, retaining existing staff
Paid, real‑world hospitality training for program participants
Employment pathways aligned with Niagara’s food and tourism economy
Employment & Skills
Wraparound supports co‑designed with Birchway Niagara and the Niagara Regional Native Centre
Employment collaboration with YMCA Niagara
Deep affordability supported by Niagara Regional Housing subsidies
Partnership & Care
Preserving a Community Asset
The Falls Manor restaurant has been part of Niagara Falls since 1953 and remains a well‑loved gathering place. Under YWCA stewardship:
• Existing staff and management remain the same and now offered benefits and vacation
• The restaurant continues to operate as the community knows and loves it – same great staff and menu!
• Every meal now contributes to housing stability and economic opportunity
A Proven Organization, A Ready Project
YWCA Niagara Region has served the community since 1927, with more than four decades of experience delivering emergency shelter, transitional housing, and skills development programs across Niagara. We serve over 1,400 women, men, children, and gender-diverse individuals every year throughout a variety of ways. We have a proven track record of helping our community.
Falls Manor builds on this proven foundation. It is not a pilot initiative. It is an expansion of a model that demonstrates strong outcomes in housing stability and community reintegration. This is a game-changer for Niagara to build on its innovative ways while helping those most in need.
Reducing Long‑Term Community Costs
Women entering Falls Manor often face multiple, intersecting challenges. Without stable housing and income, many cycle repeatedly through shelters, emergency healthcare, and crisis services. All of these are outcomes that are costly for individuals, businesses, and municipalities.
Falls Manor interrupts this cycle by combining safe housing with ongoing and wrap-around supports, goal‑setting, skills development, and real employment experience.
This integrated approach improves housing retention and supports long‑term independence.
How to Support
Visit Falls Manor!
They are called classics for a reason. Stop by and have a taste of Falls Manors local specialties! Each purchase helps keep the restaurant operating and women and gender-diverse individuals in Niagara safe on their road to self-sufficiency!
Donate Directly to the YWCA!
The best way to support this initiative is to donate directly to the YWCA to ensure that when a woman or gender-diverse individual needs our support most, we are there with open arms.
Follow us Both on Social Media!
Your ability to help spread the word about the best breakfast spot in town and ongoing gender equity efforts in Niagara helps more incredible people like yourself become involved in essential work happening in Niagara!