The Hawkesbury Warming Centre (HWC) reopened on November 18 for the second consecutive year as homelessness continues to increase in the region. The centre is located at 429 Abbott Street in collaboration with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) and Prescott-Russell Victim Services (PRVS).
The centre is open every night between 9 pm and 6 am until March 2025 to provide safe, secure, and temporary shelter from the winter elements to those experiencing homelessness. The UCPR Social Services Department is funding $60,000 as part of the Homelessness Prevention Program allocation, which is provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“We tend to think that homelessness is only a phenomenon in large cities, but that is not true. We have residents in Prescott and Russell who live every day with social challenges and who do not have suitable housing,” UCPR Warden Normand Riopel stated.
Recent statistics suggest that the number of people in the region experiencing homelessness has increased, with 51 women and 38 men without permanent housing as of November 1. Out of the 89 individuals, 40 are located in Hawkesbury.
“The homelessness situation is getting worse; it’s getting a lot more visible as well. So far this year, after only just opening, we straight away had two or three users per night. We’re expecting to be at capacity by January,” PRVS Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator Andrew Edwards told The Review.
The capacity for the HWC is only ten individuals or approximately one-quarter of the tallied homeless population in Hawkesbury.
As the winter weather and dropping temperatures approach, the necessity of such projects is brought to the forefront. The HWC provides more than a warm place for those experiencing homelessness to sleep. The centre offers access to showers and hygiene products, distribution of comfort items including clothing and blankets, and providing refreshments, all under the supervision of a qualified intake worker in a physically accessible environment.
Edwards stated that he would like to see more investment at all provincial levels in transitional housing, “There isn’t enough transitional housing; that’s the thing that is really missing here. These are places where people can stay and have care to help them gain these skills to slowly ease them back into permanent housing.”
Edwards emphasized that the most pressing issue for those experiencing homelessness who have been served by the HWC is mental health mixed with the high cost of living.
“The larger housing crisis in terms of rent prices and everything, that’s not going to be solved. It’s a big issue in Canada, generally. Accepting that fact, we can see that rents are really high and then, at the same time, there is an increasing number of people with mental health issues and addiction problems who don’t have a family network to help them when they’re going through a difficult situation. The financial backing is what is needed for these types of projects,” he emphasized.
It is important to note that the HWC does not allow pets or collect community donations. Donations can be made to the Hawkesbury Central Food Bank, where donations will be sorted and distributed to those in need in the community, including the HWC. In addition, harm-reduction services and meals are not offered at the HWC.
“We’ve only had positive feedback from the community and people in the neighbourhood. We’ve had a lot of offers for donations. We’re just amazed by the reactions of the community and the generosity as well,” Edwards concluded.
Those wishing to find more information, contribute to the project or start a charitable partnership are welcome to contact [email protected] or [email protected].
