'This is frostbite': Need for warmth exceeds capacity of Winter Response to Homelessness
CTV
One month after the Winter Response to Homelessness officially launched, expanded shelter spaces in place, but not always able to accommodate the number of Londoners seeking warmth.
"We are on track with the collaborative pieces that include both day and overnight spaces it get in from the cold," explains Chantelle McDonald, Director of Service at London Cares.
Launched on December 7, the re-envisioned program is led by London Cares and a partnership of frontline agencies that have expanded their existing shelter and support services.
The city is providing $5 million to the initiative that aims to support 400 people with access to daytime or overnight spaces.
But it hasn’t been enough.
"This is frostbite," says a man named Dave as he points to wounds on his nose and fingers.
He values the additional daytime shelter spaces being offered, but has struggled to find a bed on six or seven nights this winter, "I got in once, the rest of the times I’ve been turned away."
"We know that we don’t have enough spaces for everyone looking for space to get in and out of the cold," acknowledges McDonald. "When inclement weather hits in our community it’s stressful both for those deprived of housing and social services."
