Durham winter warming centres are providing critical support to residents experiencing homelessness as cold weather continues across the region, writes Durham Regional Chair John Henry.
As temperatures drop, many residents rely on heated homes, warm clothing, and hot meals to stay comfortable. For more than 1,500 people across Durham Region, those basic options are not available.
Winter poses serious health risks for people without shelter, including frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot. Cold exposure can also worsen existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, with health effects lasting weeks after exposure.
To address immediate needs, Durham Region and its community partners operate winter warming centres seven days a week. These centres opened on Dec. 1, 2025, and will remain open until March 31, 2026. One warming centre is located at Regional Headquarters and is operated by an external service provider, offering a safe and heated space for those in need.
During extreme cold conditions — when temperatures reach -15°C or colder, or wind chills fall below -20°C — the Durham Region Health Department issues cold weather alerts. These alerts trigger expanded shelter capacity at emergency shelters, including additional mats, cots, and safe spaces.
When required, hotels and motels may also be used to ensure no one is left without shelter. The Regional Street Outreach Team provides transportation support to help individuals access shelters and warming centres.
John Henry emphasized that homelessness can affect anyone due to job loss, health challenges, family breakdown, or circumstances beyond personal control. He noted that housing is a basic human need and that until permanent solutions are in place, Durham winter warming centres remain essential to protecting the region’s most vulnerable residents.
