By: Sara Selma Maref, Communication Strategic Advisor, Canadian Red Cross
Photo: Shawn Riccio / Canadian Red Cross
As a cold wave descends on Montreal this weekend, the city is opening emergency shelter resources for people experiencing homelessness. The Red Cross was called upon to contribute — and answered the call.
Essential support for people experiencing homelessness this winter, as needs intensify
Homelessness is no longer just a social issue; it has become a true humanitarian crisis. When temperatures drop, the streets become a dangerous, even life-threatening, environment. Each night of extreme cold is a life-or-death emergency, where access to a heated space can mean the difference between life and death.
In this context, the Canadian Red Cross was called upon to intervene as of last November, supporting existing efforts and ensuring an immediate, structured, and safe response. During extreme winter conditions, many people experiencing homelessness turn to warming centres, spaces designed to provide a place to warm up, protect themselves from the cold, and rest.
The Canadian Red Cross’ first warming centre in Saint-Laurent
Since November 17, 2025, following a request from the City of Montreal, the Quebec Division of the Red Cross has been operating a night-time warming centre with around 50 spaces in the Ville Saint-Laurent borough, in a building belonging to the STM. This temporary winter shelter, designed to provide a warm, safe, and calm space for users to rest, is open nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and will operate until March 31, 2026.
Snacks and hot drinks are also offered to meet the basic needs of those attending and to contribute to their well-being. The Red Cross’s presence and response in the field are part of the continuum of services available to people experiencing homelessness, helping to address the complex humanitarian challenges of winter. It complements the work of shelters, day centre, street outreach teams, and emergency services, in a spirit of cooperation, coordination, and sharing.
“Our involvement is made possible thanks to the strength of Montreal’s community network,” says Pascal Mathieu, Vice President, Quebec. “Whether it’s the City, community organizations, public safety and fire services, or the CIUSSS teams of the Island of Montreal, we received extraordinary support from the very beginning in terms of sharing expertise and best practices, which allowed us to adapt our approaches and better respond to needs.”
A second warming centre so no one faces the cold alone this winter
Since early January 2026, the Red Cross in Quebec has been operating a second warming centre in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough at the former Hôtel-Dieu, previously managed by the City of Montreal and St. John Ambulance.
Moreover, due to the cold wave underway this weekend, the capacity will increase from 50 to 100 people by opening a second shelter for the coming week on the second floor.
Opening hours will be extended by one hour in the morning for the next three days before returning to the regular schedule of 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. starting Monday evening January 26.
The temporary winter shelter will remain in operation until March 31, 2026.
By operating warming centres in Montreal, including the former Hôtel-Dieu, the Canadian Red Cross is fulfilling its historic role: being present whenever human vulnerability demands urgent action. In humanitarian crises, inaction is not an option.
Red-Cross-operated warming centre addresses and opening hours
Ville Saint-Laurent Borough – STM Building
- Address: 1465 Marcel-Laurin Boulevard
- Open Until: March 31, 2026
- Hours: 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Capacity (regular): 50 people at a time
- Pets allowed: Yes
Plateau-Mont-Royal Borough – Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal
Main-floor warming centre
- Address: 3840 Saint-Urbain Street
- Open Until: March 31, 2026
- Hours (regular): 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Capacity: 50 people at a time
- Pets allowed: Yes
Second-floor warming centre (Closed)
- Address: 3840 Saint-Urbain Street, second floor (entrance on ground floor)
- Open Until: Now closed (was open from January 23 to February 12 2026 due to extreme cold weather conditions)
- Capacity: 50 people at a time
- Pets allowed: Yes
For referrals to community resources or government health services in Greater Montreal, contact 211.
