The Homelessness Network of Sudbury announced an extreme cold weather alert for 24 hours, beginning Dec. 23 at 10:30 a.m.
The alert will put into action a short-term emergency plan to increase community services when temperatures drop below -15 C or when Environment Canada issues a storm watch or weather warning.
The extreme cold weather alert program is an initiative funded by the City of Greater Sudbury to protect those who are most vulnerable to intensely cold weather conditions.
Under a community partnership agreement, agencies will implement or extend the following community services:
Hot Line: 705-675-6422: L’Association des jeunes de la rue will operate an overnight phone line to direct callers to appropriate services and to take calls from concerned citizens.
Shelters: Foyer Notre Dame and the Salvation Army Centre will increase their shelter capacity where possible and exercise leniency in curfews.
Emergency Warming Centre: The Elgin Street Mission will become an emergency warming centre. In addition to the regular services it provides, it will remain open 24 hours during an extreme cold weather alert. As part of its emergency response, they will also provide a hot meal at night.
Outreach: L’Association des jeunes de la rue (Community Outreach Program) will provide overnight services to make contact with people on the street and to transport individuals to shelters. Outreach workers will be equipped with extra clothing, blankets and coffee for those who choose not to access shelters.
