York Region launches Operation Share the Warmth

From November 24 to 28, 2025, The Regional Municipality of York’s Outreach Services team and Community Paramedicine and Outreach Response Team (CPORT) partnered with York Regional Police’s (YRP) Mental Health Resources Unit for Operation Share the Warmth, an initiative to connect with residents, provide supports, and raise awareness and promote resources available in the community to support people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, through visits to community drop-in programs, community centres and encampment sites. 

During visits to community drop-in programs, community centres and encampment sites, this multi-disciplinary team also provided cold-weather supplies such as hats, gloves, coats and hygiene kits.

Operation Share the Warmth exemplifies cross-sector collaboration among emergency service providers, taking an innovative approach to community well-being by shifting the focus from crisis response to proactive prevention and engagement with residents. The initiative also aligns with provincial objectives to enhance front-line deployment, strengthen public safety and improve response to mental health and addictions crises — contributing to broader goals of reducing homelessness and decreasing demand on emergency services.

The team has visited sites across the Region, engaging with more than 70 residents.

People experiencing homelessness in York Region that are seeking emergency housing are encouraged to contact the Emergency Housing Central Intake Line at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76140 or email @email

For more information visit york.ca/emergencyhousing