Winter Supports for Those Experiencing Homelessness

As the City prepares for much colder temperatures, the community is reminded that the City of Windsor and community partners are providing 24-hour support for those experiencing homelessness in Windsor and Essex County.

On December 1, 2023, the Downtown Mission added additional shelter beds and opened 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.

The Welcome Centre for Women and Families also began offering an overnight warming centre on December 18, 2023, for women experiencing homelessness. Open from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. throughout the winter, this temporary service will complement the existing emergency shelter beds which accommodate approximately 100 single women and families each night.

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
519-973-5573

Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families

Shelter beds for single women or families, and their pets; and an overnight warming centre for single women
500 Tuscarora, Windsor
519-971-7595

The Salvation Army

Shelter beds for single men
355 Church Street, Windsor
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 p.m.
519-253-3806 or 519-254-4824

Services in Essex County

Leamington Emergency Shelter Program

Shelter beds for eligible single men, women and families
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.
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.
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.) 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.