‘Winter Warming Plan’ features locations throughout the region; few in North Durham
Lisha Van Nieuwenhove
Last Friday, on what was called National Housing Day 2024, the Region of Durham announced that it has put into place a winter warming plan to “provide safe shelter for those without housing during the coldest months.” In partnership with the local area municipalities, the Region operates winter warming locations across Durham from December 1 through March 31. Few of these warming locations are directly in the Townships of Uxbridge, Brock or Scugog.
The Durham Region Health Department issues extreme cold weather alerts when temperatures are expected to drop to -15°C or colder, or when the wind chill reaches -20°C or below. When these alerts are active, regionally funded emergency shelters increase their capacity by adding extra mats, cots, and safe spaces.
“If needed, motels and hotels may also be used to ensure no one is left out in the cold,” says the Region. During these times, shelters also stay open throughout the day to provide a warm, safe environment.
According to the region’s winter warming plan, “Shelter is a basic human need. When someone enters a shelter or connects with an outreach program, they receive personalized support needed to achieve stable housing. Every Regional service, resource, and tool aims to help individuals and families move forward, exit the shelter, and secure a safe, permanent home.”
Most of the shelters and additional warming locations are located in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax or Pickering.
The region advises those in the northern region who require temporary shelter and can’t access emergency shelters or warming spaces, to contact outreach workers from Community Living Durham North's Housing and Homelessness Support Program. The region says these workers can help coordinate motel assistance. They can be reached at 905-852-5919 or by email at hhsp@cldn.ca for support.
North House, which is located in Uxbridge and serves all of North Durham, offers transportation assistance, such as bus tickets, to help residents in the North access emergency shelters focused on housing or overnight warming programs. North House can be reached at: 289-640-1929 (main office line); 705-432-8654, or at 1-877-406-8723.
Offices are only open during business hours, Monday to Friday. For help after hours, contact the shelter program directly for assistance.