Sudbury launches 24/7 warming centre

A 24-hour warming centre for Sudbury's homeless population is now open at Energy Court, operated by The Go Give Project. Alana Everson has more.

The City of Greater Sudbury has funded a new 24-hour warming centre for the fall and winter season, located at Energy Court. The facility is operated by The Go Give Project and officially opened on Nov. 1.

The service arrives as the city grapples with a significant homeless population, with over 250 individuals currently living in encampments across 60 different locations.

Essential services around the clock

The centre provides continuous, critical services for those seeking refuge from the cold. Ali Farooq, the interim executive director for The Go Give Project, outlined the support available.

“We are offering coffee and snacks. We are offering washroom access. We do host wound care clinics as well as storage for individuals accessing the facility and that is being offered around the clock,” he said.

The barrier-free washroom includes a foot wash station and harm reduction supplies are available, though a strict no substance use policy is enforced inside. To ensure safety and reduce clutter, a secure storage system is in place for personal belongings.

Secure, organized environment

Security and organization are key priorities for the warming centre’s operations. Two security guards are always on site to maintain a safe environment for both clients and staff.

“Anybody that does come into the centre is encouraged to place their belongings in tote bins which are labeled and put away,” said Farooq.

“It just ensures that we have less clutter in the main space as well as safety and reduce the possibility of theft of items.”

Connecting clients with broader support

The warming centre serves as a vital hub, but city officials clarify it is not a new encampment site. Gail Spencer, the city’s interim director of Children and Social Services, emphasized its role within the broader homelessness network.

“There is no intention to move everyone living in an encampment into Energy Court encampment. The warming centre at Energy Court opened by Go Give is for anyone experiencing homelessness in our community,” said Spencer.

“Last year, Energy Court was able to support an average of 160 people per night.”

Client navigators and staff from the homelessness network regularly visit the centre to connect with individuals and provide pathways to further assistance.

The centre closes briefly for cleaning and restocking, coordinating these breaks with mealtimes at the nearby Samaritan Centre.