Starting Sunday, November 1, people experiencing homelessness in Brockville will have access to supervised indoor space around the clock, as the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville expand two coordinated programs. The changes pair an overnight warming centre with a new daytime drop-in, both designed to connect people with longer-term housing support rather than function as standalone shelters.
Overnight warming centre extends through winter
The Counties are opening an overnight warming centre at 10 Church St., operated by Bartimaeus Inc. It will run nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. through March 31, offering a supervised setting, refreshments and direct links to housing caseworkers. Fiona Goodman, the Counties' manager of integrated program delivery, says the centre is meant primarily as a point of connection - a place where staff can engage people and move them toward stable housing options rather than simply a place to spend the night.
Goodman notes that attendance at the warming centre declined as last winter progressed, as many visitors transitioned into supportive housing with help from intensive case managers. The Counties expect a similar pattern this season, though they are preparing to serve a significant number of people through the colder months.
New daytime program replaces weekday drop-in
A separate daytime program, run by Peer Support South East Ontario, will open at 189 King St. W., operating daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It offers peer support, laundry facilities, snacks and evening check-ins for anyone who may need overnight shelter. This program replaces the former weekday drop-in at 25 Front Ave., which had been operated by Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH). Loaves and Fishes will continue to provide low-cost meals at the Front Avenue location.
Coordinating with a new mental health and addictions hub
The timing coincides with the opening of the Leeds Grenville Hart Hub, which launches October 30. Goodman says the Counties are working with LLGAMH to coordinate access between the hub and the two homelessness programs, aiming to streamline referrals for people who need both housing support and mental health or addictions services.
According to Goodman, the overarching goal this winter is to connect as many people as possible with permanent or supportive housing, using the warming centre and daytime program as entry points rather than end destinations. Further details on hours, locations and eligibility are available through the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville's official website.