City Councillor Encourages Reporting of Vulnerable Individuals to 311

Windsor’s downtown councillor, Renaldo Agostino, is urging community members to report vulnerable individuals in the cold weather by calling 311. This call to action comes as Environment Canada issued a cold weather warning, predicting temperatures to drop to -14 degrees Celsius with wind chills between -20 and -30 degrees. The risk of frostbite in these conditions is significant.

Cold Weather Resources for the Homeless

Councillor Agostino emphasizes that there are several resources available for those experiencing homelessness in Windsor and the surrounding county. He states, “No one needs to be out in the cold.” In an effort to keep people safe, he encourages residents to download the 311 application or use social media to report sightings of individuals in distress.

Available Shelter Locations

Agostino highlights five key locations providing shelter and support:

• Leamington Shelter (Essex) – A critical resource for that region, especially for those lacking access to nearby facilities.
• Downtown Mission – Offers emergency shelter and an overnight drop-in program.
• Salvation Army – Provides shelter for single men, couples, and their pets.
• H4 (Homelessness and Housing Help Hub) – Open 24/7, this facility is pet-friendly and offers a drop-in program.
• Essex County Homelessness Hub (ECH2) – This program includes emergency and daytime drop-in services.

Each location aims to provide a safe space for individuals and families, offering 221 beds and rooms across shelters for various needs. Additionally, there are 100 overnight drop-in spots available for those unable to find shelter.

Community Involvement

Councillor Agostino notes that many individuals are utilizing these resources this year, attributing the increased usage to the harsh weather. “It’s like forced treatment,” he says, as cold conditions compel individuals to seek help. This presents a valuable opportunity for social workers and housing support staff to engage with those in need effectively.

Contact Information for Shelters

Local authorities and community members are encouraged to work together to protect vulnerable individuals during these harsh winter months. Every report to 311 can make a difference in helping someone find the shelter they need.