Regional shelters offering emergency support for people during cold snap
Posted Jan 9, 2025 06:59:14 AM.
Last Updated Jan 9, 2025 11:44:01 AM.
The cold snap passing through Waterloo Region has many people reaching for the thermostat, but for the thousands of people experiencing homelessness, those bitter cold temperatures can be fatal.
According to the latest data from the Region of Waterloo Housing Services, there are approximately 2,370 people in Waterloo Region experiencing homelessness, a number that has grown significantly over the last three years.
To respond to the growing need, there are a number of places in the region offering emergency supports to give people four walls and a warm bed during the cold winter months.
In December, the Out of the Cold Program opened its doors at 84 Frederick St. in downtown Kitchener to offer emergency shelter services to women and gender-diverse people.
Right now, the building has 37 beds for people who need support, but when renovations and construction are completed, it will expand to offer even more support.
The program is operated through a partnership between the Region of Waterloo and Services and Housing in the Province (SHIP), and is in line with the region’s Plan to End Chronic Homelessness by 2030.
In Cambridge, The Cambridge Shelter at 26 Simcoe St. not only offers emergency shelter, but individual support to meet a variety of needs. The House of Friendship shelter at 190 Weber St. N. in Waterloo also offers men experiencing homelessness a place to stay.
If you or anyone you know needs a place to get warm and stay warm, call First Connect at (519)624-9133.
