Emergency Housing and Shelters

If you have no place to stay, there are places in the community that can provide emergency accommodation to singles and families.

Emergency shelter for women fleeing violence and abuse

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre - 40 Swayne Street, Cobourg

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre is Northumberland's emergency shelter for single women or women with children that are fleeing violence and abuse. Cornerstone delivers a coordinated care approach, connecting women with counselors, housing, and family support workers, all under one roof. 

For more information, call 905-372-0746 or 1-800-263-3757.

Homeless shelter services

Transition House - 310 Division Street Cobourg

Emergency shelter

Emergency shelter services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Northumberland are provided by Transition House shelter in the Town of Cobourg, at 310 Division Street. Community members can access emergency shelter services through the coordinated entry system managed by Transition House, either through local agencies or through self-referral by calling 905-376-9562.

Warming/cooling space

A warming/cooling space is also available at 310 Division Street, Cobourg. If you are experiencing homelessness, this service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, provides a safe place to come in out of the cold or hot weather, rest, access washroom and shower facilities, do laundry, and get something to eat.

Modernizing shelter services at 310 Division Street to address community need

To help address the urgent local need for housing and shelter services in Northumberland, the County announced the purchase of a former retirement residence at 310 Division Street, Cobourg in December 2023. The County purchased this property to support the relocation of Transition House shelter services from a century home at 10 Chapel Street, Cobourg - enabling modernized and improved shelter service delivery.

Current status
  • A drop-in 24/7 year-round warming/cooling hub - located  on the ground floor— opened on November 13, 2024.
  • 35 emergency shelter spaces on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building - opened on December 19, 2024.
  • 10 transitional housing units, under construction on the 4th floor, are slated to open in early 2025.  
Community Liaison Committee update

Northumberland County has formed a Community Liaison Committee (CLC) to support the successful integration of shelter services at 310 Division Street, Cobourg. The CLC held its first inaugural meeting on December 17, 2024 to kick off the Committee, welcome new members, and begin work to provide valuable guidance and feedback as the County and Transition House strive to deliver the best possible support to vulnerable community members while ensuring strong neighbour relations.

Learn more about the CLC, including accessing meeting agendas and minutes.

Contact information
  • For non-emergency security inquiries, along with waste inquiries related to Northumberland County’s Emergency Care Establishment License (ECE03CN-2024) under the Town of Cobourg by-law, please contact: 1-877-770-2564.
  • Please note: In an emergency — please call 911 for police, fire, and paramedic services.
  • For questions about shelter operations, please contact the Transition House team at: 905-376-9562.
  • For information about Town of Cobourg by-laws, please visit the Town of Cobourg website or call the Municipal Clerk/Legislative Services Department at: 905-372-4301.

Learn More  

Additional supports for unsheltered residents

If you are homeless or need help finding more suitable housing, you can contact: