Winter Warming Plan will support unsheltered residents in Durham Region

DURHAM: During the winter months, warmth and shelter are a matter of life or death for vulnerable populations. This is why the Region of Durham has a Winter Warming Plan in placewhich offers spaces for unsheltered residents to stay warm.

Warmth and shelter are critical resources for health and safety, as people experiencing homelessness or those who are marginally housed are one of the most at-risk groups for cold-related illnesses. These include hypothermia, frostnip and frostbite, and trench foot. Cold weather can also make existing health conditions worse, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The effects of cold weather can be experienced for up to 21 days following exposure.

“Durham Region is a caring community [which] strives to ensure no one gets left behind, [and] why the Region of Durham provides access to warmth and shelter. In winter, these resources are vital for the health and safety of our communities.” explained John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham.

Winter warming and shelter programs are located in Ajax, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby and North Durham. For residents who require transportation, to access a warming location or shelter program, transportation support is available through Housing outreach agencies.

This winter season, Regional Headquarters, at 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, will serve as a warming location. For a complete list of warming locations, please visit durham.ca/WinterWarming. Please, again, refer back to this page for updates through the winter, as the locations and times may change.

The 'Region of Durham' is the Service System Manager for homelessness in Durham Region.

Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC) will be the service provider for the warming centre at Regional Headquarters.

An Extreme Cold Weather Alert is issued by the Durham Region Health Department, when Environment Canada forecasts a temperature of -15°C or colder and/or a wind chill of -20 or colder. During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, emergency shelters expand their services, to help protect unsheltered residents by remaining open during the day, adding mats/cots and using hotel space as needed.

The Region of Durham has a housing-focused approach which means every support, service and tool offered is directed toward helping individuals find a safe and appropriate living situation.

Residents, who provide consent for supports, are added to a By-Name List which is a list of people experiencing homelessness. Individuals added to this list are then connected with supports to help end their homelessness.