7 Easy Things to Help People Experiencing Homelessness Prepare for Winter

Today is the first day of fall. For those without shelter, this means facing dropping temperatures on the street.

Facing the Facts 

In 2021, 221 people experiencing homelessness died on the streets of Toronto.  That works out to 4.3 deaths per week in just one Canadian city.

People who are experiencing homelessness in Toronto are at an increased risk of experiencing hypothermia in comparison to the general population. People experiencing homelessness make up 25% of all hypothermic injuries and 20% of all hypothermic deaths despite making up less than 3% of the city's population.

Injury and street death associated with low temperatures are 100% avoidable when access to shelter, warm clothes, and hot meals are readily available.

Ways You Can Help This Fall

1. Donate warm clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, socks, boots, hats or mitts to charities in your community.

2. Donate non-perishable food to your local food bank or partner with a local charity and prepare hot meals at home for distribution.
   
   Hint: In Toronto, Ve’ahavta accepts home-cooked meals. Check it out here!

3. If you’re part of a hobby group or club, consider organizing a volunteer night with a local charity. Check out our charity list here to find one in your area.

4. Create small care packages that contain instant hand warmers, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Donate these to your local outreach center or spend an afternoon with a group handing them out yourself.

5. Call 311 if you see someone experiencing homelessness in immediate danger.

 Helping People Gear-Up Through Car Donation

1. Donate your car, truck, SUV or Motorcycle to Homeless Cars by calling 1-833-465-7227 or by filling out a donation form and receive a tax receipt for the value of your vehicle.
   
   Homeless Cars accepts vehicles in all conditions, even if they are no longer running. If you have a project car, an estate car, an old car or just bought a new car, let Homeless Cars take care of the challenge of retiring your old ride.

2. Not Able to Donate? No Problem, Help Us Spread the Word Instead!

   • Help your friends, family and co-workers dispose of their old or unwanted vehicle by telling them about Homeless Cars! We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. Just give us a call at 1-833-465-7227 or chat with us on our website.

   • Share this blog on social media.

   • Follow Homeless Cars on Facebook or Instagram and stay up to date on the ongoing housing and food insecurity crisis.