Guests fear Brockville’s only homeless shelter could close as funding set to run out

A petition with more than 2,000 signatures is calling on officials to restore funding

The Co-Operative Care Centre (CCC), an overnight shelter, is at risk of shutting down after the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville voted to cut its funding on December 31, leaving community members concerned and staff searching for ways to keep the doors open. 

The 28-bed shelter, located at the Brockville Mental Health Centre is funded through a provincial homelessness prevention program administered by the counties.

The counties’ council of mayors voted earlier this month to end the shelter’s funding, calling its model “not financially viable.” 

Funding will be redirected in 2026 to other homelessness initiatives, including the Addictions Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub, supportive cabins, and motel rooms.

We spoke with a CCC guest who said the homelessness problem has been ongoing and that a city the size of Brockville needs a shelter like the Co-Operative Care Centre.

This guest explained that without the CCC, he believes he may not be with us. 

He also said the CCC accepted him without question or judgment, which was what he needed most. 

This guest added that with temperatures dropping, it adds salt to the wound for those already struggling to survive outdoors. 

A petition with more than 2,000 signatures is calling on officials to restore funding, while supporters, including the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, warn the closure would endanger vulnerable residents this winter.

Story by Evan Gibb