The year 2025 finished with homelessness affecting 150 households across the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR), according to the Department of Social Services and Housing.
Statistics for December 2025 indicate that 94 adults, 34 families, and 18 youth between the ages of 16 and 25 were homeless. The gender representation was completely equal with 50 per cent of those homeless being men, and the other 50 per cent women. Chronic homelessness was affecting 49 per cent of the households, and 53 per cent of all homeless households in December 2025 faced mental health challenges.
Among the 150 homeless households, 53 per cent of the people were temporarily residing with relatives or “couch surfing.”
At 59 per cent, the majority of the households across the UCPR experiencing homelessness were in the Town of Hawkesbury.
The UCPR Department of Social Services and Housing reported that in December 2025, a total of 12 households were able to access permanent housing and are no longer homeless. This represents an 80 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The Department’s Housing Assistance Program provided financial assistance to 22 households in December 2025. This program provides short-term or emergency financial assistance to cover costs such as rent arrears, utility arrears, moving expenses, etc.
The Warming Centre continues to operate at 429 Abbott Street in Hawkesbury for homeless individuals during the cold weather months. It is managed by the UCPR and Victim Services of Prescott and Russell. The centre offers space to rest and stay warm, access to bathrooms, hot refreshments, and hygiene products.
Normally, the Hawkesbury Warming Centre hours are 9 pm to 6 pm, seven days a week. However, during the extremely cold weather from Friday, January 23 to Sunday, January 25, the hours were extended to 7 pm Friday to 2 pm Saturday, 7 pm to 2 pm Saturday to Sunday, and 7 pm Sunday to 6 am Monday.
