Welcome to another season of the Beth Sholom/Beth Tzedec Out Of The Cold (OOTC) homeless shelter. 

Out Of The Cold provides quality hot food, a warm and safe place to sleep, clothing, well-loved weekly programming, and a respectful, friendly and stimulating atmosphere for Torontonians in need. It will run each Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning from January 5, 2016 to March 22, 2016 at Beth Sholom Synagogue (1445 Eglinton Ave. W). 

Homelessness on a vast scale remains a sad fact of life in Toronto, and with the onset of our winters, homelessness too often is a killer. Providing a safe shelter during these months saves lives. Only through your volunteer commitment is this possible; by volunteering with Out of the Cold you perform an enormous mitzvah in the service of strangers. Our program is much appreciated by our clients, and a rewarding experience for our volunteers.

To sign up as a volunteer, please link to our Registration Form to pick your shift (and which nights you can't work) week by week.

If you have MULTIPLE FAMILY MEMBERS volunteering, please fill out and submit the form FOR EACH ONE, so that we know exactly how many volunteers we have. You may use the same contact email for each if you wish. 

Children who are not yet in high school must be accompanied by an adult when volunteering. PLEASE NOTE that children under the age of 10 are not permitted.

You will receive a reminder email from me several days in advance of the upcoming shift (on a weekly basis).

If we are fortunate enough to have extra volunteers for some shifts, you may occasionally get a week off. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE REMINDER EMAIL, PLEASE ENJOY YOUR NIGHT OFF. The first reminder email will be sent in December to give a long advance notice. 

We always need more volunteers for the 12:00 to 3:00 am shift, 3:00 to 5:00 am, and 5:00 to 7:00 am (Wednesday mornings). If you can sign up for one of these shifts, even once in the season, it will be a big help.

Due to the overwhelming response we have received in years past, spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis; however, everyone who signs up will get a chance to participate in the program.

You can email me directly with questions. Do not email me your form; just click the "Registration Form" link.

Much thanks,

David Sachs
OOTC Volunteer Coordinator