With bone-chilling temperatures on the way starting Sunday, the City of Windsor and the County of Essex remind residents, especially those experiencing homelessness, that there are places to get out of the cold.
The two governments have been working with service providers to open temporary overnight warming centres.
The warming centres can accommodate more than 70 people each night. That's in addition to the 187 emergency shelter beds available year-round.
The following options are available:
The Downtown Mission has emergency shelter services for single men and women from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., while the warming centre is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The number to call is 519-973-5573.
The Essex County Homelessness Hub at 215 Talbot Street in Leamington can accommodate single men and women from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its warming centre is open from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. It can be reached at 226-340-4952.
Single men and women can also find shelter at the Homelessness and Housing Help Hub at 400 Wyandotte Street East. Services are available from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. when its warming centre opens at midnight.
At the Leamington Community Hope Centre, an evening meal is available. It's open seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 58 Erie Street South in Leamington. Call 519-326-9280.
The Salvation Army is open to single men 24 hours a day and seven days a week at 355 Church Street in Windsor. Call 519-253-7474.
The Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families has emergency shelter services for single women and their children at 500 Tuscarora Street in Windsor from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. Call 519-971-7595.
Anyone concerned about the health or safety of someone who has been in the cold for a prolonged period can call 911. Windsor residents can also call 311 if they notice a homeless encampment or someone needing non-emergency help.
211 is open to refer people to places to stay warm.
Temperatures this week are expected to remain cold for the first half of the week. Tuesday's high will only reach -15 C.