As the city faced severe cold this week, officials hurried to help the homeless. The city council first said no to opening a warming center. But as temperatures fell dangerously low, public pressure changed their minds. They opened a warming center at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre, providing shelter and basic supplies to those in need.
The warming center served as a lifeline for many individuals. “It’s pretty cool for you guys to do this,” said one homeless individual, reflecting on their first night at the centre. “My girlfriend and I have been struggling with being homeless for a while. Just to have a place where we can stay together is amazing because, at most shelters, they split couples up. It’s been really hard”
The warming centre brought people together and allowed for reflection. One resident noticed how another had changed. “There’s a guy I know, Brian. He used to always be upset, angry, and arguing with everyone. But here, I saw him laugh and have real conversations. It’s changed him. Places like this make a big difference.”
The center, which has helped many people, will close on Friday afternoon. This has left many looking for other options. “I plan on being proactive,” said a resident who has been clean for three months. “Maybe I can find a sobriety house or something, but going from shelter to shelter is exhausting. If the city kept this going, it could really help so many people.”
Someone shared their concerns about the problems they will face after the center closes. “I don’t know where we’ll go. We’ll probably head back to the regular shelters, but it’s tough. This place has been better-less chaotic, and more controlled. It feels like we’re treated with dignity here.”
More people are asking for long-term solutions. Some appreciate the city’s efforts, while others see a need for more proactive support. “We need more resources, showers, public washrooms, affordable housing,” one person said. “Toronto is doing more, but here, they wait until it’s minus 15 before they act. It’s not enough.”
As Friday approaches, people at the warming centre are getting ready for what’s coming next. One resident expressed the feelings of many, “We’re grateful for what the city did, but they should have done this a long time ago. Better late than never, right?”
