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Warming centres across Waterloo region have started operating just in time, with temperatures expected to fall below freezing on Saturday night.
The Environment Canada forecast says there might be some flurries on Saturday, and then overnight into Sunday it will be cloudy with lows around -5 C.
Jessica Hill leads the Thresholds Homes and Supports warming centre located at 298 Lawrence Ave. in Kitchener.
She explains that there are folks who need a warm place but may feel uneasy or can’t access traditional shelters.
“There’s so much that might prevent an individual from being comfortable in accessing a space. We hear a lot of things from service users about feeling unsafe in shelter systems. And contrary to that, we hear things from individuals also that shelter systems are great and they’ve never felt unsafe in them,” Hill said on Friday during an open house.
“But there are a distinct number of individuals out there who have no options outside of something like a warming centre.”
Hill added that anyone needing warmth can come by, and they try to keep things as “low barrier as possible” so people feel welcome using the service.
WATCH | Take a look inside this warming centre in Kitchener:
Take a look inside this warming centre in Kitchener
Warming centres all over Waterloo region are gearing up for winter again. The one at 298 Lawrence Avenue run by Thresholds Homes and Supports had staff hosting an open house recently so people could see what’s offered firsthand.
Eric Philip, CEO of Thresholds Homes and Supports, mentioned they’ve already had people waiting outside wondering if the centre was open yet, so even though it’s not super cold yet, they know folks need it now.
“It’s not just about getting out of the cold. It’s about an atmosphere that embraces just, like, welcome to a place where you can be supported to relax and feel happy for a moment before you have to go back to what is a really precarious living situation,” he said.
The warming centre starts welcoming people at 7 p. m. on Saturday and stays open every night through winter hours from 7 p. m. till 7 a. m.
On Wednesdays, they’ll also serve hot soup thanks to local restaurants, caterers, and help from The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
In Cambridge, Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services will also launch their overnight warming spot starting Saturday at Wesley United Church located at 6 Cambridge St., open from 8:30 p. m. until 8 p. m.
“If you’re outside at night in Cambridge, and need a place to warm up, Porchlight’s Warming Centre is available for you,” Porchlight posted on Facebook.
The Region of Waterloo also provides public places where anyone can get temporary relief from cold inside municipal buildings.
You can visit libraries, community centres or municipal offices during business hours just to escape the chill though these spots aren’t meant for long stays according to info on their website.
Meteorologist Trudy Kidd with Environment Canada shared that while November should be warmer than usual overall folks still gotta bundle up because temperatures generally drop as winter nears.
“Digging out those hats, mitts, scarves, all the layers because generally November has temperatures that decline throughout the month. So even if it’s going to be a warmer than normal month, we’re still going to see those temperatures really dip as we approach winter,” she explained.
The snow sticking around isn’t likely right away but Health Canada warns frostbite risks start once temps dip below zero Celsius since blood vessels near skin tighten up trying to protect your core body heat.
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