St. Margaret New Toronto church on Sixth Street is one of the places that offer a warming centre in South Etobicoke.
There are dozens of residents sleeping outdoors or in cars in our community in this bitter cold.
Those out in the cold can get some temporary help to stay warm at an area church.
St. Margaret New Toronto church provides an adult drop-in service to help those without a place to go for some hours during the wintry days.
The church, at 156 Sixth Street, is open for drop-in service on Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is also a Sunday program in which they provide lunches for those in need.
Some of the volunteers with LAMP CHC that also offers help for the homeless and a partial warming centre.
There are access to bathrooms, showers and you can do your laundry.
Drop-ins vary and provide a range of services that may include food, healthcare, showers, laundry, information and referrals, and social and recreational activities to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“The Adult Drop-in offers a safe, welcoming space for homeless and street-involved individuals and socially isolated adults,” according to the church.
“Take-out meals are also available as an option. If you have your own container for take-out meals, please bring it with you,” according to their website.
Elisa House for women over 18 is operated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Toronto Central Council and located at 60 Newcastle Street.
There are some 27 drop-ins or warming centres available in the City of Toronto. Nearly all are filled.
St. Margaret church is the only one in South Etobicoke. It can be reached at 416-252-5471 ext. 280.
LAMP Community Health Centre, at 185 Fifth Street, was open as a warming centre for some hours on January 20.
Available for women over 18-years-old is Elisa House, operated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Toronto Central Council, at 60 Newcastle Street, near Evans Avenue and Royal York Road.
It provides emergency shelter and long term housing but space is tight since they only have a capacity of 38 people. They can be reached at 416-259-2528.