Region to Provide Winter Warming Packages

Waterloo Region – With colder temperatures approaching, the Region of Waterloo is partnering with The Working Centre to provide Winter Warming Packages for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

“Our first priority is always to connect individuals to safer indoor shelter spaces and support services,” said Councillor Jim Erb, Chair of the Community and Health Services Committee, Region of Waterloo. “Extreme winter weather conditions pose serious risks for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The Winter Warming Packages will provide cold weather supplies and a connection to support services as we continue work to transition people into housing.” 

The Working Centre and other community partners are working hard to sign people up and order the supplies as quickly as possible. The limited number of packages will include winter clothing, a warm sleeping bag, an insulated sleeping pad, and other outdoor winter supplies. Packages will be given to individuals staying in encampments or living rough in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge while supplies last.

“Responding to health and safety concerns, the Region hosted community partners exploring a plan to support people living outdoors during the winter months,” said Stephanie Mancini, co-founder of The Working Centre. “We have been working with Mountain Equipment Company, whose expertise is outdoor living to create the Winter Warming Packages. This is a combined effort to keep people as safe as possible, while we still work forwards on finding more indoor sheltering/housing options."

The Region recognizes the support of Mountain Equipment Company, the City of Kitchener and the Cambridge Food Bank for this project.

The Region has an extreme weather protocol. It provides support to emergency shelters and drop-in programs to adjust services and expand hours of operation during periods of extreme cold, adhering to health and safety processes and protocols, and depending on the program staffing ability.

The Interim Housing Solutions strategy is working to address the challenge of unsheltered homelessness across Waterloo Region. To learn more visit,  

engagewr.ca/interim-housing-solutions.

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