Hamilton Urban Core and St. Matthew’s Partner to Provide Warm Shelter for Unhoused in Hamilton
-For Immediate Release-
Hamilton Urban Core and St. Matthew’s Partner to Provide Warm Shelter for Unhoused in Hamilton
Hamilton, ON (December 19, 2025) –There is an acute need for overnight warming centre services for men in the City of Hamilton during the winter of 2025 - 2026. While some organizations, including Mission Services, currently provide warming centre supports, these programs end nightly at 11:00 p.m., leaving many individuals without safe, warm shelter overnight.
In response to this gap, the Housing Division of the City of Hamilton engaged St. Matthew’s House and Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre to work in partnership to deliver this critical, City-funded service. The Overnight Warming Centre will be located at The Cottage at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 70 James Street South, where Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre holds the lease.
The Overnight Warming Centre will operate from December 19, 2025, to March 31, 2026, providing overnight supports seven nights per week, from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. The program will serve up to 50 clients nightly, primarily men experiencing homelessness. Women requiring overnight supports will have access to services at the nearby YWCA Hamilton, located at 75 McNab Street South.
Through this collaboration, both Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre and St Mathew’s House bring complementary expertise to the operation of the Overnight Warming Centre, reflecting a shared commitment to respond to urgent community needs through partnership. In addition to providing a safe and warm overnight space, the centre will serve as a point of connection to broader health and social supports. Individuals accessing the site will receive supports, referrals, and warm connections to services offered by both organizations, including access to Hamilton Urban Core’s Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Hub, Primary Care satellite clinic at 70 James St and other community-based supports.
“We are proud to partner with St. Matthew’s House to provide this critical service for individuals experiencing homelessness in Hamilton.This collaboration highlights the importance of coordinated service delivery and strong partnerships in ensuring vulnerable community members are supported with dignity, compassion, and equitable care across our city.”
-Dr. Sandy Ezepue, Executive Director of Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre.
“It is a privilege to be able to work with Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre. Our commitment to equity and inclusion for most the most vulnerable citizens in this community shows the shared sense of values with a mission to work in collaboration together. With this partnership, we have an eye to providing a continuum of care that starts with the warming centre and spans out to other Primary care services in the community that Urban Core provides.”
-Renée Wetselaar, Executive Director of St. Matthew’s House
Media Contacts
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre
Dr. Sandy Ezepue, Executive Director
[email protected]
St. Matthew’s House
Renée Wetselaar, Executive Director
289-684-8465
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