Extreme cold alert issued in Sudbury

Organizations in Greater Sudbury that deal with people experiencing homelessness are issuing an extreme cold alert on Saturday.

“Alert will put into action a short-term emergency plan to increase community services when the temperature is predicted to be below -15°C, below -20°C with a wind chill, or when Environment Canada issues a storm watch or weather warning,” said the Homelessness Network of Sudbury in a news release.

The alert is in effect until noon Sunday.

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"People on the street will be encouraged to voluntarily access shelters and services,” the Homelessness network said.

“Individuals who may be at risk due to low temperatures in their homes are also eligible for these services."

Extended services offered

Hotline [phone] p.m. to 8 a.m.

Warming centres will be open at the Samaritan Centre at 344 Elgin St. from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. and Grace Family Church at 426 Burton Ave. will be open every night from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. until April 30.

Shelters: The Salvation Army Cedar Place for women and children at 261 Cedar Street, the Samaritan Centre at 344 Elgin St. is also providing a temporary youth shelter until April 30 for those 16 to 24 under an agreement between the City of Greater Sudbury and New Hope Outreach after the closure of the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth, the CMHA Off the Street emergency shelter at 200 Larch St. and Safe Harbour House at 288 Kingsmount Blvd., a low-barrier shelter for women and gender-diverse people operated by the Elizabeth Fry Society.

L'Association des Jeunes de la rue (community outreach program) will contact people on the street, transport them to warm spaces and will be equipped with extra clothing, blankets and hot beverages for those who choose not to access shelters.