Share The Warmth's Mandate

Share the Warmth (STW) is a homeless prevention charity that provides energy assistance and energy conservation services to families, seniors, the disabled, and the terminally ill, living at or near the poverty level. Through a provincial network of relief agency partners and utility companies, STW provides 200 application centres in communities across the province to identify vulnerable households and determine need. All applicants undergo a thorough review by trained local community relief agencies.

Share the Warmth is Canada's first e-charity. All applications for assistance are processed on-line, in real time, providing instant responses for applicants. Share the Warmth does not give money nor does it cover the entire cost of an applicant’s heating needs. Share the Warmth purchases heat and energy in the form of gas, electricity, oil, propane, wood or kerosene and delivers it to households in order to address a portion of the applicants’ overall need sufficient to ensure warmth in winter.

In 2007, Share the Warmth increased its emergency energy assistance to low-income households to exceed a record $600,000. This increase of almost 22% from previous years and was in direct response to increased need in the community, as well as enhanced government and corporate partnerships. Since 2000, Share the Warmth has assisted and/or prevented homelessness for over 40,000 people. Since its inception, almost $4 million has been distributed by Share the Warmth in the form of direct energy assistance.

How DOES Share the Warmth Make a Difference?

  • The inability to pay utilities is the second leading economic cause of homelessness. After rent, utility costs are the second largest household expense.
  • Households with minor children unable to maintain utility services may have their children seized by child protection services because they are unable to provide the necessities of life.
  • Over 50,000 households a year have their power disconnected in Ontario while thousands of others struggle to provide the necessary energy to stay warm and cook meals. That means that one household has its power cut every ten minutes of every hour of every day for a year.
  • Many Ontario households must choose between eating and heating, and seniors and those with special needs must choose between medication and heating.
  • While typical Ontario households spend approximately 5% of their household income on energy, low-income households spend upwards of 20% of their total household income on the provision of basic heat and energy making them increasingly vulnerable to homelessness.
  • Founded in 1995, Share the Warmth has prevented homelessness for over 45,000 people.

How Can Members of The Public Help?

Donations to Share the Warmth can be made by returning a donation pamphlet from participating utility bills; by calling an automated donation line at 1-900-565-WARM (9276) to add a $35 donation to your telephone bill; or by making a secure online donation at Donate Now.

Donors have the option of directing their donation to households in their own community or to those areas with the greatest need.