The City of Kingston has fully transitioned its emergency shelter operations to a new facility at 928 Sydenham Road, marking the end of temporary services at the Adelaide Street Shelter (38 Cowdy Street) as of March 31, 2026.
The new site is operated by CFOC-Doors of Compassion, a nonprofit organization with over 30 years of experience managing similar facilities in Ontario. The shelter, which provides 30 permanent beds with the ability to expand to 45 during periods of extreme weather, began welcoming individuals in late February 2026. The facility aims to support vulnerable residents through a trauma-informed model that allows for couples and pets, provides three meals a day, and includes a requirement for residents to work toward permanent housing goals after an initial one-week stabilization period.
To support daily operations, the shelter employs 21 staff members, ensuring at least three employees are on-site at all times to handle security and patron relations. The city-owned property was purchased in May 2025 for $2.45 million, with funding for ongoing operations provided through a mix of municipal funds and provincial resources from the Homelessness Prevention Program.
As the new site reaches full operation, the temporary Adelaide Street Shelter at 38 Cowdy Street officially closes today. All remaining residents at the former site are required to vacate by 9 a.m. on April 1, 2026. Community members interested in an inside look at the new Sydenham Road facility can view a video walkthrough that has been released via the City of Kingston online engagement portal.
