Toronto has opened two warming centres to support unhoused individuals as extreme cold temperatures are expected this week
The centres opened at 5 p.m. and are located at Cecil Community Centre and Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre. People can walk in without needing to call ahead.
If one centre is full, the city will help transport individuals to another location with space. These centres provide warmth, meals, and access to other services.
In addition to these two, five other warming centres are also available. The city is sending outreach teams to connect with those living outside and offer support.
On Saturday, volunteers distributed over 3,500 winter survival kits to various agencies in the Greater Toronto Area. Each kit includes essentials like sleeping bags and warm clothing.
Jody Steinhauser, from Engage and Change, emphasized the need for housing solutions. She mentioned that the demand for survival kits has skyrocketed this year.
The extreme cold is expected to feel like -30°C with the wind chill. Currently, there are over 11,000 homeless individuals in Toronto, highlighting the urgent need for support.
