The Warming Centre in Hawkesbury at 429 Abbott Street in the former École Jean-Bosco has closed its doors after its second season helping individuals experiencing homelessness stay warm and safe during extreme winter weather. During the 2024-2025 season, an average of two to three individuals used the facility each night.
The centre operated nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. since opening on November 18, 2024, and held a capacity of 10 people. Warming centre operations were organized in collaboration with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) and Prescott-Russell Victim Services (PRVS).
This season, warming centre users received Christmas gift packs generously provided by the Hawkesbury Rotary Club.
PRVS Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator Andrew Edwards said that human factors such as mental health issues, addiction, and other vulnerabilities continue to be at the forefront of the homelessness concerns in the region.
The centre provided vulnerable individuals with temporary shelter from cold nights, offered shower facilities, warm food and drinks, and distributed essential items like socks, blankets, and hygiene products. PRVS has been providing support to people experiencing homelessness who urgently need these necessities—such as shelter, accommodation, or safe transportation—alongside the Social Services Department of Prescott and Russell.
From November 18 to March 17, Edwards explained that a total of 21 individuals—14 men and seven women—used the facility, with an average stay of 13 nights per person throughout the season. Of these individuals, five had experienced chronic homelessness and the remaining 16 were in an unspecified situation.
Edwards noted “We did a lot of things better than last year. There were a lot of collaborative efforts, and the food bank in Hawkesbury was really supportive as well. We were never really at risk of reaching full capacity this year.”
“There was one success story that stood out this year: a guy who was with us for a long time—for about six weeks—coming here every night, who eventually made it into permanent accommodation around the end of January,” Edwards said.
“He was really appreciative of all the efforts and brought in biscuits and cakes for us all on the last night.”
Edwards explained that there are plans to reopen the centre at its same location on Abbott Street next season, with improvements to security and a streamlined admission policy.
Alongside raising community awareness, Edwards said it is equally important to mobilize resources and encourage active participation—especially in overcoming “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY) attitudes, which are often underestimated in public discussions about homelessness.
