Support for Those Experiencing Homelessness in Extreme Cold

With winter weather already upon us, the City of Windsor has been working with various community partners to ensure those experiencing homelessness in Windsor and Essex County have places to stay warm during the day and overnight.

Starting on December 1, 2023, the Downtown Mission will be adding additional shelter beds and opening an overnight warming centre where people can go to escape the cold. The warming centre will operate each night from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. throughout the winter months.

Below is a list of key services available for people experiencing homelessness in Windsor and Essex County.

Services in Windsor:

Downtown Mission

Shelter beds and overnight warming centre for single men and women
875 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor
Phone: 519-973-5573

Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families

Shelter beds for single women or families, and their pets
500 Tuscarora, Windsor
Phone: 519-971-7595

The Salvation Army

Shelter beds for single men
355 Church Street, Windsor
Phone: 519-253-7473

Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4)

Daytime services offering housing, health and justice supports, and a place to rest and stay warm
400 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor
Open 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Phone: 519-253-3806 or 519-254-4824

Services in Essex County:

Leamington Emergency Shelter Program

Shelter beds for eligible single men, women and families
Phone: 226-787-8805 (answered 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Essex County Homelessness Hub (ECH2)

Daytime services offering housing supports, health and other supports, and a place to rest and stay warm
215 Talbot Street East, Leamington
Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 519-326-8629 ext. 395

Leamington Community Hope Centre

Evening meal program, other supports and a place to stay warm
58 Erie Street South, Leamington
Open 7 days a week from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Phone: 519-326-9280

Additional Support and Information is Just a Phone Call Away:

  • Call 911 (24/7) if you’re concerned about someone experiencing homelessness or sleeping outdoors who may be at risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
  • Call 311 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays) if you notice someone experiencing homelessness in Windsor who is not in immediate risk of frostbite or hypothermia but could use support from an outreach worker, or use the Windsor311 mobile app to submit a request for a homelessness response.
  • Call 211 (24/7) or visit 211ontario.ca for information on other community services and programs for people who are experiencing homelessness, living on a low income, living alone, or coping with life changes. Services are available in over 150 languages.