As London experiences frigid weather this week with temperatures reaching as low as -18, the City of London is opening the South London Community Centre (SLCC) as a warming centre for Londoners looking for relief from the cold.
Located at 1119 Jalna Boulevard, the SLCC will be open February 16 between the hours of 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. and tomorrow, February 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This location will provide a warm, indoor space as well as access to water. Other amenities within the centre will not be open.
In addition to the warming centre at South London Community Centre, the City of London offers two daytime drop-in warming spaces as part of the Winter Response Program for Unsheltered Londoners. The Hamilton Road Seniors Centre, 525 Hamilton Road, is open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. A warming space at Talbot Street Church, 513 Talbot Street, is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Both of these locations provide a warm space and access to basic needs including boxed lunches, snacks, hot and cold beverages, and washroom access.
All spaces follow Provincial and public health guidelines, including physical distancing measures and COVID-19 screening protocols to ensure the health and safety of staff and individuals using the spaces.
A number of community agencies continue to work together to support those accessing their services during the extreme cold. These include:
- The Coordinated Informed Response program as part of their outreach will offer refreshments, snacks and warm clothing (socks, mitts, coats, blankets etc.) where needed
- The London Public Library Central Branch offers time-limited warming space and washroom access for up to five individuals at a time, Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals should see security at the front door.
- The Youth Action Centre will provide drop-in for warming and basics needs including food and washroom access
- Atlohsa will provide drop-in access for individuals meeting with staff
- The Ark will be providing basic needs including food and washroom access
- The Ark Aid Street Mission Overnight Warming Spaces are offered at YMCA Centre Branch, 382 Waterloo Street, nightly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- My Sisters Place will offer take out services including blankets, warm winter gear and food
- London Intercommunity Health Centre will provide basic needs including food, harm reduction equipment, hygiene supplies and clothing
For extreme cold weather information and tips to avoid the risks of cold-related illness, please visit https://www.healthunit.com/extreme-cold.