Waterloo region adds shelter beds, opens warming centres

With flurries and cold temperatures expected in Waterloo region throughout theweekend, the region says it has opened additional shelter space to keep those who are experiencing homelessness safe.

In preparation for the storm, the Region of Waterloo says it will be moving to its extreme cold weather procedures, which in addition to those extra shelter spaces,also includes opening warming centres.

Warming centres normallyinclude spaces atlocal libraries, municipal buildings and community centres. The region advises that some locations, like libraries, may have shortened hours due to the holidays.

Regional buildings at150 Main St. in Cambridge, 150 Frederick St. in Kitchener and 99 Regina St. in Waterloo will remain open.

• See the list of warming centres in Waterloo region
• See the list of emergency shelters, services and outreach in Waterloo region

A spokesperson for the region told CBC News 33 additional shelter spaces have been added across the shelter system in anticipation of this weekend's cold weather.

Community Fridge K-W also Tweeted the group has stocked up the fridge and pantry with ready to eat food, menstrual products and warm clothing items for those in need this weekend. The fridge is located at the Kitchener Market in downtown Kitchener.

Region and citiesreachedout to encampments

Bylawofficers with the City of Kitchener havegone to the encampment on Roos Island in Victoria Park to encourage about a dozen people still living in tents to use the emergency shelter spaces during the storm.

The region has reached out to people at encampments on regionally owned lands, 100 Victoria St. in Kitchener and 150 Main St. in Cambridge, and they've shared information on available shelter spaces and warming centres.

A spokesperson for the City of Waterloo said bylaw officers visited an encampment at Forwell Trail on Thursday to provide information on warming centres and shelter space.

The City of Cambridge says bylaw reached out toother encampmentsto provide residents with information about available services and supports.

The city says advises anyone inneed of shelter can reach out to theCambridge Emergency Shelter locatedat 26 Simcoe St.

The city says people can alsocontactlocal outreach services:

• Adults cancall 519-624-9133 available 24 hours each day FirstConnect.
• Youth in need can call 519-749-1450 available 24 hours each day Safe Haven.
• Families in need can call 519-749-2450 available 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Lutherwood Families in Transition.