The City of Windsor and the County of Essex are reminding residents, and in particular those who are experiencing homelessness, about options available to stay warm during extreme cold weather.
City officials say they are working with county and local service providers to ensure no one has to sleep outdoors.
There are temporary overnight warming centres that can accommodate more than 70 people each night. These spaces are in addition to the 187 emergency shelter beds available across the region year-round.
The following emergency shelter and warming centre supports are available for people in Windsor and Essex County:
Downtown Mission
Emergency shelter services for single men and women (9 p.m. to 9 a.m.) Warming centre (24 hours a day, 7 days a week; operates year-round)875 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor(519) 973-5573
Essex County Homelessness Hub (ECH2)
Services for single men and women experiencing homelessness (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Warming centre (10 p.m. to 8 a.m.)215 Talbot Street East, Leamington (226) 340-4952
Homelessness & Housing Help Hub (H4)
Services for single men and women experiencing homelessness (8 a.m. to 12 a.m.) Warming centre (12 a.m. to 8 a.m.)400 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor(519) 253-3806
Leamington Community Hope Centre
Evening meal program, other supports and a place to stay warmOpen 7 days a week (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.)58 Erie Street South, Leamington(519) 326-9280 Transportation to the Essex County Homelessness Hub in Leamington can be provided from anywhere in the county. Those seeking transportation can call (226) 340-4952.
The Salvation Army
Emergency shelter services for single men (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) Warming centre (9 p.m. to 9 a.m.)355 Church Street, Windsor(519) 253-7474
Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families
Emergency shelter services for single women and families (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) Warming centre (11 p.m. to 8 a.m.) 500 Tuscarora, Windsor (519) 971-7595
When to Call 911
Being outdoors for prolonged periods of time during extreme cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, which constitute a medical emergency. If you are concerned about the health or safety of yourself or someone who is living outdoors during extreme cold days, call 911 immediately.
311 Windsor for Homelessness Supports
If Windsor residents notice a homelessness encampment or a person who needs non-emergency assistance, call 311 or use the 311 mobile app to request assistance from a homelessness outreach worker, who will triage the request and attend the location within 48 hours.
211 for Community Services
The 211 helpline can refer people to places to stay warm, and to other community services and programs that can assist. Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in more than 150 languages.
