York Region Launches 2024 to 2025 Cold Weather Response for People Experiencing Homelessness

York Region issues a Cold Weather Alert for people experiencing homelessness when temperatures are forecasted to be -15°C or colder, with or without wind chill, for any local municipality in the Region.

York Region’s Cold Weather Response Plan aims to ensure that people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in York Region can access timely and inclusive supports throughout the cold weather season. The plan guides the Region’s coordinated efforts to notify residents who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to take precautions during cold weather alerts, collaborate with community and outreach services to connect people to the right supports, and expand services like seasonal shelters to keep people safe from harsh weather conditions.

The impact of cold temperatures can be extremely harmful to people staying outside for long periods of time. York Region staff work to prevent and reduce negative health outcomes through the following efforts: 

• Advising the public when cold weather is expected
• Providing supplies and educational materials
• Directing people to public spaces to stay warm
• Enhancing outreach services
• Collaborating with service providers to increase system capacity

Anyone seeking shelter during Cold Weather Alerts can contact the York Region Emergency Housing Central Intake Line at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76140. For a list of emergency housing locations please visit york.ca/EmergencyHousing

You can also visit york.ca/ExtremeCold for information and tips about how to stay safe during cold weather conditions.