Warming Centres in Toronto 
As temperatures drop and winter weather hits Toronto, the need for community support grows, especially for individuals experiencing homelessness or living with precarious housing. 

At Homes First, we believe that shelter, including Warming Centres at this time of year, is just the beginning of the journey toward stability. In this blog, we’ll explore Warming Centres in Toronto—how they work, who they serve, and how they are part of the city’s broader effort to combat homelessness. 

What are Warming Centres and How are They Accessed? 
Warming Centres are just one facet of the City’s Winter Services Plan for People Experiencing Homelessness.  

The City of Toronto cites Warming Centres as temporary spaces that “give those who are vulnerable and may be experiencing homelessness a place to rest and access meals, washroom facilities and referrals to emergency shelter.” These spaces are different from the 24-hour respite centres operating throughout the winter months.  

Warming Centres are activated by the City of Toronto when temperatures reach minus 5 degrees Celsius and/or when Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a winter weather event warning. The City also activates approximately another 170 spaces when temperatures drop below minus 15 degrees Celsius.  

Warming Centres typically open at 5pm on the day the respective location is activated by the City. Once open, Warming Centres remain open 24 hours a day until deactivated. Once a Warming Centre closes to new admissions, staff work to refer individuals remaining onsite to alternate shelter spaces.  

While Warming Centres are operated directly by both the City and appointed service operators, they are unique operations. Unlike the rest of the City’s active shelter bed network, folks who need this support do not need to contact Central Intake to access a Warming Centre – walk-ins are welcome. If someone arrives at a Warming Centre that is at full capacity, the City then assists that individual in reaching another Centre, if spots are available.  

Why Are Warming Centres Important? 
There are more people experiencing homelessness than there are active shelter beds in the City of Toronto. And, Toronto winters can be brutal, with temperatures regularly dipping well below freezing. For those without stable housing, spending hours or even days outside in such extreme conditions can be life-threatening.  

Warming Centres provide a critical safety net, giving individuals a place to escape the cold, even if just for a few hours a day. These Centres not only save lives, but they can also serve as a first point of contact for those seeking more long-term solutions, such as support service referrals.  

What Services Do Warming Centres Provide? 
While the primary goal of Warming Centres is to provide a safe, heated environment, they often go beyond basic shelter by offering additional services: 

• Resting spaces 

• Access to meals 

• Access to washroom facilities 

While Warming Centres provide essential, acute relief during winter months, they are part of a larger ecosystem aimed at ending homelessness in Toronto.  

Resources 
Visit the City of Toronto’s Warming Centres webpage for more detailed information regarding its Warming Centres.  

Visit the City of Toronto’s Homelessness Services webpage for resources and more information on all programs relating to homelessness services.  

As a pioneer of the adoption of the ‘Housing First’ model in Toronto, Homes First works tirelessly to provide more than just shelter. We develop and provide supportive housing and wrap-around support services to help our clients stabilize. We are proudly committed to client-led service delivery, helping clients achieve their goals. Together, we’re building a Homefull Toronto. 

DONATE TODAY to Homes First as we work towards ending chronic homelessness in the City of Toronto.