New Drop-in Centre Keeps People Safe and Warm in Whitby

A warming centre staffed by The Salvation Army in downtown Whitby fills a gap in service for people experiencing homelessness.

The drop-in centre is a partnership with the Town of Whitby and Durham Region to provide safe and warm overnight beds in the community. The Centre at 117 King Street has space for up to 10 people and is open seven days a week.

The WOW Centre – Whitby Overnight Warming – is located next to the Whitby library, where many of the overnight guests stay during the day.

“We are seeing a minimum of five people a night. On colder nights we have had the full 10 people, plus a few other individuals coming in to get warm and get some food,” said Theresa Treadwell, Program Services Director with The Salvation Army’s York Housing and Supportive Services.

“Our staff have been working to connect clients with various supports in the community to help meet their needs, as well as facilitating connections to our community housing program.”

Clients are also being provided with additional supports for those living with addiction or mental health concerns, while working to find permanent housing for everyone using the centre.

Theresa says they are seeing success in finding housing for people using the warming centre as well as working to connect clients with various addictions and mental health programs in the community.

Whitby Community Church Major Donette Percy says the centre fills a gap in service in town, as there is no place like it in the community and avoids the issue of finding transportation to warming centres in neighbouring Ajax or Oshawa.

“The centre provides a sense of hope for those needing a place to rest their head, to make a personal connection and to offer encouragement. The Salvation Army in Whitby is happy to provide support in any way possible as we look to meet the needs of people in this community,” Major Percy said.