Each winter, Homeward Trust, along with its community partners, coordinates a Winter Emergency Response program. The funding provided by Homeward Trust through this program allows several city drop-ins to extend their operating hours—ensuring that homeless individuals are not left outside to face the harsh winter conditions. This program also funds a winter warming bus that provides services to people in need and helps connect them to emergency shelters.

2011/2012 Winter Emergency Response

The 2011/2012 Winter Emergency Response (WER) program commenced November 7, 2011 and concluded on April 30, 2012.

2011/2012 WER agencies who partnered with Homeward Trust:

• Boyle Street Community Services (drop-in and warming bus)
• Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre
• Mosaic Centre
• The Salvation Army

Services

Services included: 

• Extended drop-in hours
• Hot meals
• Winter clothing (hats, mitts, coats, etc.) and footwear
• Referrals to other agencies

2011/2012 Key Findings:

• A total of 79,335 visits took place throughout the course of the WER program
• 64% of visits took place at Boyle Street Community Services
• Approximately 74% of visitors were male, while nearly 26% were female
• Nearly 51% of visitors observed were Aboriginal, 38% observed were Caucasion and the additional 3% observed were either another ethinicity or new immigrants
• 81% of visitors were between the ages of 31-64
• A total of 125,141 meals were served