Durham Winter Warming Plan opens for homeless residents

Region of Durham announced its Winter Warming Plan has opened from December 1 and will run until to March 31, 2025, to help protect vulnerable populations from hypothermia, frostnip and frostbite, and trench foot, among other health issues affected by the cold.

“Winter is dangerous for those without a place to call home. People experiencing homelessness, or those who are marginally housed, are one of the most at-risk groups for illnesses related to cold weather,” said a region statement.

It said there are shelters and warming locations open across Durham Region.

Transportation support is available through the Durham Region Outreach Team for residents who need help accessing a shelter or warming location.

Quick Facts

  • The Region of Durham is the Service System Manager for homelessness in Durham Region. Residents who provide consent 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 secure permanent housing.
  • Cold Weather Alerts are issued by Durham Region Health Department when Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a temperature of -15°C or colder and/or a wind chill of -20 or colder. The Cold Warning and Information System begins November 15, 2024, and ends March 31, 2025. During this time, the Health Department monitors weather conditions and, if criteria are met, issues Cold Weather Alerts. During Cold Weather Alerts, emergency shelters expand their services by adding mats/cots and using hotel space as needed, and shelters remain open during the day. For more information on the hazards of cold weather and to subscribe to receive cold alert notifications from Durham Region Health Department, visit durham.ca/ColdWeather.

Durham Region says 811 people are on its homeless list

For more information, visit durham.ca/WinterWarming. .

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