On November 18, 2024, Prescott-Russell Victim Services, in collaboration with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (the “UCPR”) and other community partners, will officially reopen the Hawkesbury Warming Centre for the winter of 2024-2025.
The Warming Centre will open its doors every night, from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., until March 2025. Located at 429 Abbott Street in Hawkesbury, this safe and temporary emergency shelter will offer people in homeless situations a warm place to sleep, as well as a variety of services and comfort items. For example, access to showers and hygiene products will enable people to receive immediate help during the cold season.
Prescott-Russell Victim Services and the UCPR are collaborating with other community partners to reduce homelessness in the region and to find sustainable solutions to homelessness. The Warming Centre represents dignity, solidarity, and positive change for residents experiencing homelessness. Indeed, this community commitment helps fulfill the hope that no one faces the cold night alone.
“Homelessness is not always visible. It can become a person’s reality through a combination of circumstances, and it can be very difficult to find affordable housing, even in rural areas. The success of this project relies on a harmonious and dedicated collaboration, aimed at effectively meeting the needs of the population,” mentioned Sylvie Millette, Director of Social Services at the UCPR.
“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. The UCPR’s Social Services team works closely with people experiencing homelessness to offer them humane services and to help guide them in finding housing,” added Normand Riopel, UCPR Warden.