In Canada, the cold can be brutal, forcing people to endure dark drawn-out days chill their bones just thinking about the months between November and March. An often-overlooked aspect of extreme cold weather is that many unhoused Canadians face the elements without the comfort of ending their day in a warm abode.
According to a report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, more than 80,000 people experienced homelessness in 2024. This is a major issue during the cold winter months, when it becomes impossible to be outside for extended periods.
When the weather becomes unbearable, Durham Region will declare a cold weather alert. This is when Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast temperatures of -15 C or colder. The region updates its website when cold weather alerts are in effect, stating that those exposed to extreme cold for prolonged periods face the risk hypothermia and frostbite.
So, what does this mean for people who don’t have a place to stay?
For those in need of shelter during cold weather, Durham Region has implemented a winter warming program alongside shelters to assist people who may not have a place to stay. The region works with its homeless support division and shelters across Durham to provide refuge during cold weather alerts.
“We are required to open additional spaces during the winter months,” said Sahar Foroutani a manager with Durham Regions Social Services. The region also operates winter warming shelters in Pickering, Oshawa, Clarington, Ajax and Whitby.
The shelters provide chairs, cots and warm meals, and expanded hours, with the Cornerstone shelter in downtown Oshawa offering extended drop-in times for additional support.
Another aspect of the warming shelters initiative for the region is assisting people without access to transportation in getting to shelters. “Our outreach workers in the region connect with individuals to get them on our By-Name List providing any transportation they may need,” Foroutani said.
One of the shelters that works alongside the region in providing beds and warmth is the Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC) in Ajax. The shelter also offers drop-in services during winter months.
“We email the staff and let them know to not turn anybody away,” said Diana, an assistant at the CFOC, describing the extra precautions taken when preparing for cold weather alerts.
Even when the CFOC reaches capacity during these times, the centre ensures no one seeking support is turned away. Staff go the extra step of communicating with other shelters in the region to find space for anyone who needs it.
Community support is another vital aspect of the CFOC’s work. “We get people calling to bring in donations. They bring in a lot of socks and toques, and winter coats,” Diana added, emphasizing the generosity that help keeps the vulnerable warm during the coldest months.