With extended winter hours announced by the City of Stratford set to begin Nov. 1, United Way Perth-Huron and the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth are introducing new language for how to refer to them: the Stratford Connection Centre with warming hours.

The wording makes clear that the warming hours are not for a separate centre, but additional hours at the existing Stratford Connection Centre. During regular daytime hours, CMHA HP staff connect people experiencing homelessness and housing instability with housing supports, basic needs and other community resources. Overnight, the focus is on warmth and safety. The full range of daytime services is not available during those warming hours.

“The Stratford Connection Centre is an important part of our community’s response to homelessness and housing instability,” said Ryan Erb, CEO of United Way Perth-Huron. “As the Nov. 1 start date for warming hours approaches, we want people to understand that overnight warmth is being offered in the same trusted place, while the skilled, individualized support people receive during the day continues.”

United Way developed the Connection Centre concept and raises the funds needed to keep the Stratford Connection Centre operating. CMHA HP provides the trained staff who are at the heart of the centre — supporting clients during the day and providing a welcoming presence overnight. Staff expertise is essential to this work and ongoing financial donations to United Way help make it possible.

“Our staff build trust and connect people with individualized supports during the day,” said Catherine Hardman, CEO of CMHA HP. “The additional overnight warming hours serve a different but equally important purpose: offering a warm, safe and welcoming place through the coldest part of the night.”

Community members can support the Stratford Connection Centre in two ways: by making a financial donation to UWPH to help sustain the centre, or by donating items from the current needs list provided by CMHA HP staff.

Current needs include coffee (not tea), sugar and creamer, new men’s and women’s underwear, rain jackets, handwarmers, laundry detergent pods, deodorant, toothbrushes (not toothpaste) and tissue packs.      

United Way and CMHA HP would like to acknowledge the City of Stratford and the Council of Churches funding contributions for the warming hours at the Stratford Connection Centre.