In response to the urgent needs in the community, an Overnight Warming Space is opening at 6 Cambridge Street in Cambridge on the lower level of Wesley United Church, as part of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.

Operated by Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services, this space will open for operations the night of Saturday, November 1, 2025 to support men who need to warm up from the cold weather.

Porchlight provides a safe space where counselling and addictions services support the emotional well-being of people in Cambridge and North Dumfries

The warming space will be open from 8:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. throughout winter 2025.

To access the space, individuals will be able to call First Connect at 519-624-9133 (24/7) or go directly to the warming space.

Background

The number of individuals currently experiencing homelessness in the Region is unprecedented. Similar to many communities across Canada, we are seeing the effects of poverty, mental health issues, rising housing costs and impacts of the opioid crisis, first-hand in our community.

Through system planning and partnerships, Region of Waterloo Housing Services is working to increase capacities across the shelter system to meet occupancy needs.