Agencies open additional shelters as a wind chill hits London, Ontario. – London | globalnews.ca

As London, Ontario, has its coldest week so far this year, the city’s winter reaction is being put to the test as it provides indoor space for those living outside.

The seasonal event provides additional housing for those experiencing homelessness and this year’s edition is headed London Care Homeless Response Services,

Details of the latest winter response were unveiled in November, which promised to support about 400 people a day, an effort aided by a $5 million commitment from the city.

Anne Armstrong, executive director of London Cares, says additional space is being made available in local agencies this week, adding that she recently reached out to community partners as cold weather approaches.

“Agencies have contacted me saying, ‘Yes, we can open that many beds, yes, we’re preparing,'” Armstrong said.

Mission Services at London’s Men’s Mission opened an additional 10 beds Tuesday night, Arc Aid Street Mission is opening 15 more beds and other shelters have protocols in place to open additional beds if needed, according to Armstrong.

Armstrong says London Care will open more places at its own resting place, a service that provides overnight and daytime places where people can rest, receive a hot meal, clean clothes and accommodation-centred support. can do.

Elsewhere, Newly Opened community hubLondon Cares, a partnership between the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph Regional HIV/AIDS Connection And this Thames Valley Family Health TeamWill expand its daytime space capacity to allow an additional 10 people to come inside and warm up.

Should a cold weather warning come in, Armstrong says outreach teams will be working extra to provide assistance to people living in camps or elsewhere.

“Everybody’s expanded the capacity they possibly can because we know people are hurting outside and need to go inside,” Armstrong said.

“We are all facing some of the same challenges that every other sector faces – some staffing sickness or staff shortage – but we are doing everything we can to make as much space as possible.”

Armstrong hopes that worries about sheltering in place during dangerous weather events will soon be a thing of the past.

Her optimism is linked to the city’s forthcoming plan to tackle homelessness, born out of meetings between the Health and Homelessness Summit, a group comprising more than 200 Londoners representing dozens of local organisations.

A local unnamed family has invested $25 million in the scheme and offered $5 million if a community fundraising campaign Can match that amount.

Last month, during his State of the City address, Mayor Josh Morgan said the plan would provide a “sustainable and sustainable system” to help those experiencing homelessness.

“We know our current system is now stretched beyond capacity and we need more resources, so I’m really excited to see the new system being developed,” Armstrong said.

The plan for the summit will be presented to city councilors on February 28.

In the meantime, local agencies are looking to the public to help provide winter-related items to customers.

“Extra blankets, extra hats, extra warm gloves, boots, hand warmers — anything that would help keep someone warm is greatly appreciated,” Armstrong said.

If anyone is unsure where to drop off the item, Armstrong says donations can be made to the Community Hub at 602 Queens Avenue, where staff will then distribute the item to whatever agency can make the most use of it.

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Kingston homeless due to freezing temperatures

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