United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Continue Ongoing Homelessness Supports

Seasonal Warming Centre Set to Close April 30th!

Brockville – The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is advising the community that the seasonal warming centre in Brockville, ON, will close on April 30, as planned, following the end of the winter season.

The warming centre operated as a temporary response during the coldest months of the year, providing a safe and warm overnight space for individuals experiencing homelessness. Throughout the season, anyone accessing the warming centre has been offered intensive case management services aimed at identifying barriers to housing, connecting individuals to supports, and working toward longer-term housing solutions.

“As a County Council, we are encouraged by the progress being made and proud of the collaborative efforts underway to support individuals experiencing homelessness across Leeds and Grenville,” said Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. “While the seasonal warming centre is closing as planned, our commitment to supporting people in need remains ongoing. Through coordinated outreach, partnerships, and a strong focus on housing and support services, we continue to work toward meaningful, long-term solutions for our community.”

Counties outreach staff, in partnership with the Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service SUMMIT team, provide weekly outreach to encampments across the region, with a focus on safety, engagement, and connecting individuals to services.

Supports include basic needs assistance, access to medical care through community paramedics, and referrals to community services. When an encampment closure is required by a municipal or private landowner, outreach staff work directly with residents to provide support and help identify housing options, including reconnection with family or friends.

Encampment tracking has been in place across Leeds and Grenville since June 2024. The highest recorded number of individuals residing in encampments was more than 80 individuals. As of March 2026, the number has declined to approximately 27 individuals, the lowest level since tracking began.

This progress reflects active outreach, intensive case management, the addition of 49 supportive housing units in 2025, and continued collaboration with municipal partners, property owners, emergency services, and community organizations.

The Counties also tracks homelessness through its By‑Name List, used to coordinate housing and supports across service providers. The By-Name List is a real time list of every person experiencing homelessness in a community, including individuals accessing emergency shelters services.

In October 2025, the list identified 165 individuals. Today, that number has declined to 113 individuals, reflecting the collective efforts of community partners and service providers working together to address homelessness across Leeds and Grenville.

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville remain committed to compassionate, coordinated, and housing‑focused approaches, and to continuing work with community partners to support residents in need.