Region partners with Porchlight to open an overnight warming centre in Cambridge

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo and Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services are working together to open an overnight warming centre in Cambridge at Wesley United Church. With the number of people experiencing homelessness reaching 2,371 at the latest Point in Time Count in October 2024, more services like this are critical.

As part of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, the Region and community partners prioritized winter warming plans, including overnight warming spaces, which was supported by Regional Council and approved in the 2025 budget. This announcement follows the opening of a new overnight warming centre in Kitchener, operated by Thresholds.

“Our most vulnerable neighbours need options to stay warm during these cold months and this new overnight centre in Cambridge will make a real difference for many people,” said Regional Councillor Jim Erb, Chair of Community and Health Services Committee. “The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness is our road map, and we will continue working with community partners on projects like this one.”

Porchlight brought forward this opportunity to operate the centre. More details, including the opening date and operations, will be shared when they are finalized.

 "The weather our community experiences in the winter is a significant health and safety concern to our most vulnerable neighbours,” said Cameron Dearlove, Porchlight executive director. “Operating a warming centre furthers Porchlight's mission of providing safe spaces that support the emotional well-being of our community, as physical safety directly impacts emotional well-being."

More information can be found on theEngage Waterloo Region Porchlight site www.engagewr.ca/cambridge-st-overnight-warming-centre or at www.porchlightcnd.org/winter-warming

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