Welcome to Second Story Community Homes and Services
Formerly Bethlehem Housing and Support Services
We have a new name - After 38 years as Bethlehem Housing and Support Services, we are now Second Story Community Homes and Services.
In 2025, our Board adopted a Transformational Plan in response to Niagara's growing housing crisis. It called on us to clarify our role, strengthen our partnerships, and align our public identity with the work we do every day.
Our Mission
Second Story Community Homes and Services, in partnership with the community, provides affordable housing and services to support the personal growth of individuals and families.
Our Vision
Stable affordable housing and support services contribute to a vibrant, caring and inclusive Niagara where everyone has a home.
Our Values
We are where second stories begin.
What that looks like in practice
households stably housed across St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.
of people who leave our Transitional Housing program remain housed.
of long-term tenants remain stably housed through our eviction prevention work.
years of supporting second stories in Niagara.
Everyone Has a Second Story
For some, it begins with a key to a home key and the support they need to hold onto that key, like William and his son. He was injured on the job, leading to him living in a hotel room with minimal income. Then he won custody of his son and everything changed.
"I came to the realization that I was no longer just taking care of myself. I had my son who needed a good life, a loving father, and a family that loves him." It was time to ask for help. He was referred to Bethlehem Place. While he was nervous walking in, what he found were people who genuinely wanted to help.
"The worker was always accommodating and would tell me to drop by. I could not believe all the times they would go out of their way to help me." The call came. A two-bedroom apartment was available. His son moved in. They built a life that belonged to them on the scaffolding of programs, activities, and community provided through Bethlehem Place.
His son, happy and healthy, is now enrolled in school. They have a permanent home. "We could not be happier where we are today. Thank you to the community that made this all possible and made my dream a reality."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Second Story Community Homes and Services?
We are the organization formerly known as Bethlehem Housing and Support Services. After more than 36 years serving Niagara, our mission and vision remain the same. Our name has changed, because the scope of what we are building has grown.
Why the new name?
In 2025, our Board completed Transforming Housing, Transforming Lives, a plan built to respond to Niagara's growing housing crisis. Through that process, one issue kept surfacing: the name Bethlehem created confusion about who we are and who we serve. That confusion was limiting our ability to grow. While the faith community was central to our founding and we honour that history, we are a secular organization. Second Story Community Homes and Services is the name that lets the work speak for itself.
What does Second Story mean?
It reflects the work we do every day. For the people we serve, stable housing is a turning point. A key. A lease. A space that is theirs. What becomes possible after that moment is a second story. The name honours that turning point and the people who reach it. It also speaks to something universal: everyone has experienced a moment when something shifted and what came after was different.
Has your mission changed?
No. Our mission, vision, and values are unchanged and will remain so. We are committed to providing safe, stable housing and the practical support that helps people build a life. What has changed is our capacity to pursue that mission more broadly, through stronger partnerships and a clearer identity within Niagara’s housing system.
How will the Bethlehem name be remembered?
Bethlehem Place, our building in St. Catharines, will carry that name permanently. It is a tribute to the community built there and the people who made it possible. The roots of this organization run deep, and they are not forgotten.
Who do you serve?
We support 280 households across St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, with a 98% long-term housing retention rate and 100% success in supporting people to remain housed after transitional programs. We are working to extend that impact to more people across the region.
How can I support this work?
The need in Niagara is real and growing. Your support helps make someone’s second story possible. We would love to hear from you.
Share your second story
Everyone has a second story.
It might be a move to a new city or country. A career change. A health journey. The end of something hard or the beginning of something new. A door that opened at just the right moment, or a hand that helped you through it.
- What was life like before your turning point?
- What shifted and what helped you through it?
- How are you different now? What became possible that wasn't before?
Share as much or as little as you like.