Out of the Cold

This community program is part of the Out of the Cold project operating throughout the week in various churches and other faith communities across Toronto. Eastminster’s Out of the Cold program (running from November to March) offers shelter - not judgment - a nourishing meal, access to a nurse, hot showers, and decent used clothing.

Each Friday night we feed up to 130 guests, and have room to sleep 45. Overnight guests are fed a hot breakfast Saturday morning and sent on their way with a tasty bag lunch.

The Eastminster Out of the Cold program is run by volunteers and is funded solely through donations from the congregation and community. The cost of the Program averages $1,000.00 weekly.

Volunteer

Volunteers (13 years of age and over) are always needed to cover a variety of shifts and tasks each Friday evening and Saturday morning. Sign-up is easy and online.

We use VolunteerSpot (an online sign up and reminder tool) to schedule volunteers.

Please sign up - here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1. Click this button to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot.
   
2. Enter your email address. VolunteerSpot will then send you a PERSONAL signup invitation coded to your email address (no registration required).
3. Go to your email inbox and open the invitation from VolunteerSpot – click "Sign Up Now/Learn More" to choose your spots.

Or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we can sign you up manually.

Donate Goods

Donations to support the needs of the program are always appreciated and can be dropped off 7 days a week at the Jackman Avenue door from the beginning of November until the end of March.

Please label these items "For the OOTC Kitchen"

• Dishwasher detergent, powder and liquid
• Decaffeinated coffee for perk
• Orange pekoe tea
• Rubber gloves
• Tea towels
• Full aprons

Please label these items “OOTC Clothing Room”.

• Clean warm clothing for men and women (large to 3X)
• New underwear and undershirts for both men and women (large / x-large)
• Cotton sports socks for men and women
• Toiletries and feminine hygiene products. Ask your dentist to donate oral hygiene products. Bring in complementary hotel toiletries
• Winter coats for both men and women – all size
• Warm gloves
• Winter footwear for men and women
• Running ShoesGently used or new bath towels
• Bedding and small household goods
• Sleeping bags
• Duffel bags etc.

Donate Financially

By donating to this special needs program you help to relieve some of the stresses that the homeless of Toronto must endure during the harsh winter months. Donations can be made to: Eastminster United Church, Out of the Cold. Tax-receipts will be issued for donations of $25+