Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services

11/13/2025

We're really excited that the Ending Veterans' Homelessness Initiative is been announced, and we can share with you all the work we're doing through it.

The program funds local organizations, including Porchlight Counselling & Addiction Services in partnership with Thrive HIV Prevention & Support, and Cambridge Shelter Corporation, to deliver wrap-around supports designed to help Veterans find and maintain housing and exit experiences of homelessness.

A number of Veterans have already been housed through this work, and we're looking forward to seeing more housed in the future.

As our Executive Director, Cameron Dearlove, has said, “[Porchlight was f]ounded in 1940 to support Veterans returning from war as they rebuilt their lives, our organization remains deeply committed to that same mission 85 years later. Today, we are proud to once again walk alongside Veterans—helping them build lives of meaning, stability, and connection. We are honoured to support Veterans experiencing homelessness and believe that, by working collaboratively with our community, we can and will end Veteran homelessness in Waterloo Region.”

Waterloo Region’s Ending Veteran Homelessness Initiative (EVII) is supported with $3,077,080 in funding as announced yesterday by the Government of Canada.

You can find more details in the full press release from the Region here:

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo and its partners are working together to prevent and address Veteran homelessness. The Region’s Ending Veteran Homelessness Initiative (EVII) is su...

11/11/2025

Lest We Forget, the eleventh of November is set aside each year to remember those who've fought and been lost through service to Canada.

This year, as in past years, Porchlight will be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in Queen's Square. A small act of Remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

11/07/2025

Porchlight is partnering with SOAHAC to support hosting a commemoration of Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8th.

All are welcome to join, at SOAHAC's offices, 745 Coronation Blvd, Cambridge. The event will begin at 10:30am, with refreshments to follow.

11/07/2025

Your voice = change. 🖤

The Pulse Check Survey is here to gather real stories from Black residents in Waterloo Region — so services, programs, and supports reflect your reality.
💡 Why it matters:
✔ Helps identify missing supports
✔ Guides local advocacy & programs
✔ Pushes for better funding & equity in our communities

Who should take it?
🔸 Black youth & families (14+)
🔸 Multilingual & newcomer communities
🔸 Parents, caregivers, elders, and seniors

⏱ Just 30–40 minutes. Anonymous. Enter for a chance to win a gift card.

Take the survey here 👉 bit.ly/rbcpulse

10/31/2025

Porchlight's Overnight Winter Warming Centre is re-opening tomorrow (November 1st) for the coldest months of 2025-26.

If you're outside at night in Cambridge, and need a place to warm up, Porchlight's Warming Centre is available for you.

The Warming Centre is located inside at Wesley United Church, 6 Cambridge St., Cambridge and is open from 8:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. seven nights a week.

More information on the Warming Centre, and how you can make use of it or support it, is available at https://porchlightcnd.org/winter-warming

10/30/2025

Porchlight is collaborating with the Region of Waterloo Library to provide Sensory Support Kits. These kits support individuals with a variety of sensory needs, including but not limited to those with Autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergences and are available at RWL locations.

These Sensory Support Kits are supported by the Lyle S. Hallman fund held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

More information on this initiative is available here: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?FeedId=ab159244-c732-&newsId=98f3d69b-db32-41ba-a625-91b9d221774f

10/25/2025

October games night. Thanks to Marg Strom and Sheila for the incredible pumpkin night with our team, volunteers, friends, alumni and residents.

10/20/2025

Porchlight is proud to be one of the eight member organizations who've come together to create Engage Rural - a collaborative of health and social service agencies serving rural areas in Waterloo Region.

This month, Engage Rural held its public launch event and released its website. Together, we want to strengthen rural voices, recognize the distinctiveness of rural communities, and ensure that rural services are effectively resourced.

Find out more at www.engagerural.ca.

10/20/2025

Porchlight's new North Dumfries based Relapse Prevention & Aftercare Group for Addictions and Codependency launches tomorrow!

This group will meet Tuesdays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Knox United Church in Ayr (92 Northumberland St.). This group in the first of its kind in Ayr, and follows a model Porchlight has long operated in Cambridge.

You're welcome to join us directly, or contact us at 519-841-2617 or 519-621-5090 for more information and to let us know you're coming.

10/15/2025

Let’s go, ! ⚾️🧢

Catch the action live on The Big Screen in District Square on Sunday, October 12th, Monday, October 13th, and Wednesday, October 15th!

Looking for a warmer location to catch the game? Head over to where they will be serving up $5 beers during each game!

Grab your crew, throw on your Jays gear, and come cheer them on with us!

📸

10/14/2025

Porchlight's annual impact report has been released, and we're eager to share it with you!

Within it, you'll find details about the impact we had in our community during the 2024-25 year, and information about some of our plans for the future!

https://porchlightcnd.org/res/pub/2025-AGM/Impact-report-2024-25-Final-.pdf

10/10/2025

Porchlight's offices will be closed Monday, October 13th, for the Thanksgiving.