CHUM’s Warming Center provides safe from the cold

As it gets colder, it gets difficult for those experiencing homelessness to stay warm. That’s why CHUM is keeping their warming center up and running throughout the season.

For those experiencing homelessness, getting out of the cold can be a matter of life and death.

“There are lots of risks for folks experiencing homelessness. Can you imagine yourself outside in the elements all day and sometimes all night?” explained Drew Filkins, who runs the facility. “The warming center is just a place that people can go and get warm, take a shower, and spend some time inside.”

Last night alone, the warming center hosted 71 people. Their maximum capacity is 90 people.

303 people have needed to use the warming center since it opened for the season in November. Drew Filkins says this is a symptom of the housing shortage.

One of the ways you can help is by bringing gently used winter gear to the main CHUM office.