Keeping our community warm: winter support for those without shelter

Whitby, Ontario – As temperatures drop, health risks increase for people experiencing homelessness. Cold exposure can cause frostbite, hypothermia and trench foot, and can make existing health problems—like heart and lung disease—worse.

To help protect people without a place to stay, the Region of Durham has a Winter Warming Plan. From December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, there are warming locations open across Durham region. Transportation support is available through the Durham Region Outreach Team for residents who need help accessing a shelter or a warming location during this time.

The Region of Durham strives to support the health and safety of all residents, which includes providing warmth and shelter during the coldest months.

This winter season, Regional Headquarters at 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, will serve as a warming location. For a complete list of warming locations, visit durham.ca/WinterWarming. Please refer back to this page for updates, as locations and times may change.

Quick facts

• The Region of Durham is the Service System Manager of homelessness in our community. In this role, the Region helps establish policies that promote affordable housing development; creates local housing and homelessness plans; contributes and co-ordinates housing funding; develops and administers housing and homelessness programs; manages social housing; and reports on progress.
• An external service provider will operate the warming centre at Regional Headquarters. 
• Residents who provide consent are added to a By-Name List, which is a list of people experiencing homelessness; individuals added to this list are then connected with supports to help secure permanent housing. More than 1,000 people are on the By-Name List in Durham region.
• Homelessness is a complex issue that cannot be solved through quick fixes or isolated efforts. Only through the collective action of local government, health services, By-law and the community can we create lasting change.

– 30 –

For media inquiries, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.