During the holiday season, Louis Leveille found himself in a chilly situation without a permanent residence. Grateful for a spot at the temporary warming shelter at Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, he expressed contentment with sleeping on a chair, stating, “It’s better than nothing.”
To address the needs of unhoused individuals as temperatures drop below freezing, the City of Montreal, in collaboration with community groups, has established additional warming centers apart from traditional homeless shelters. One such new facility is located in the Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie borough.
Molière Thémistocle, a psycho-social worker and co-founder of the Montreal-based organization Centre des femmes de convictions de Montréal, which aids homeless women, oversees a temporary shelter at Sainte-Bibiane Catholic Church. Despite being relatively unknown, Thémistocle anticipates increased demand for their services as more individuals become aware of their presence.
The warming center in Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie currently offers about 20 seats, with less than half occupied during the holidays. However, Thémistocle foresees a rise in utilization as the word spreads. Montreal recently added 530 spots in various warming centers across the city, with an occupancy rate averaging between 85 and 100 percent, indicating a high demand for such facilities.
Claude Pinard, chair of Montreal’s executive committee, expressed satisfaction with the shelters’ high occupancy rates, emphasizing their essential role in providing necessary assistance to those in need during the cold season. Émilie Fortier, vice-president of services at the Old Brewery Mission, highlighted the positive impact of warming shelters in alleviating pressure on existing facilities but stressed the need for more beds and long-term housing solutions.
Montreal initiated efforts to identify suitable locations for warming centers earlier in the season, receiving numerous offers of support from citizens, developers, and community organizations. Pinard emphasized the importance of ensuring that these organizations have the resources to effectively operate the warming stations.
Looking ahead, the city aims to enhance preparedness for future cold spells and prioritize permanent housing solutions. Montreal’s heated spaces are accessible daily throughout the cold season until March 31, providing snacks, hot beverages, and referrals to additional resources. Shuttle services are available to facilitate access to these centers.
With a focus on fostering harmonious coexistence, the city’s website lists five warming center locations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peaceful environments and community integration. Teams and partners offer psychosocial support and cleanliness services to ensure the well-being of both visitors and the surrounding neighborhood.