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 at 6 Cambridge St.
More details, including the opening date and operations, will be shared when they are finalized.
"If you're outside at night in Cambridge, and need a place to warm up, Porchlight's Warming Centre is available for you," reads the warming centre's web site.
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, says a news release.
The search for an overnight warming centre to serve Cambridge is part of the region's Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.
Last year, 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 last week, 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 the 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.
"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 is available on Porchlight's warming centre web page.
