« Share the Warmth » met en relation les personnes en situation de vulnérabilité avec des services d’accompagnement et de soutien
York Regional Police and its partners launched Share the Warmth, delivering clothing, care and support directly to vulnerable residents, strengthening partnerships and improving access to critical services
For members of York Regional Police, community safety extends beyond emergency response. It also means building trust and delivering support directly to those who need it most. That approach shaped Share the Warmth, a collaborative initiative focused on assisting vulnerable residents during the winter months.
Led by the Mental Health Engagement and Outreach Team (MHEOT), and delivered in partnership with regional agencies, the Share the Warmth initiative brought together police, paramedics, York Region Outreach teams, and YRP’s Community Oriented Response Team for a week of coordinated support. Teams visited shelters, drop-in programs and encampments across the region in November 2025.
MHEOT, which is made up of an officer and social worker, responds to non-crisis situations involving high-frequency users of service, individuals who are unhoused and others facing complex challenges. MHEOT’s work focuses on building relationships with marginalized, racialized and Indigenous communities, while connecting people to services that can reduce repeated calls for assistance.
Share the Warmth highlighted the growing needs in the community and the value of working together. The teams visited nine locations, including four encampments, and were able to approach 142 individuals and provide them with nearly 400 items over five days.
Items delivered through the initiative include winter clothing, boots, blankets and hygiene supplies, along with gift cards and harm reduction kits. Paramedics provided on-the-spot care such as wound treatment and health education, while outreach workers connected individuals to housing and community resources.
The impact of this initiative went beyond material support – working with a multidisciplinary team challenged stigma, especially within policing, bringing together and helping the community in the moment. Share the Warmth went out into the community, rather than having people attend various different locations to address their needs. In a region as large as York, transportation and communication barriers can prevent people from accessing services. Share the Warmth identified this need, provided barrier free access to support and closed services gaps.
Following the success of the pilot, plans are underway to expand the initiative. YRP and its partners are exploring the introduction of a mobile support vehicle by 2027, allowing teams to continue and grow this work year-round.
