Who We are:

The Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold Programs (MIOTC) is a central organization that coordinates the "out of the Cold" shelters for the homeless within York Region.

The program is currently operated by nine host communities in Southern York Region:

• Jaffari Islamic Centre
• Temple Har Zion
• Thornhill United Church (a collaboration by Thornhill United Church, Holy Trinity Anglican Church and Thornhill Baptist Church)
• St. Luke's Catholic Church
• Rouge Valley Mennonite Church
• Toronto Chinese Community Church
• Vaughan Community Church
• St. Mary's Anglican Church
• The Bridge Markham Community Church

Our partner faith communities offer their facilities as an overnight shelter, utilizing their volunteers to prepare and serve meals. MIOTC provides each partner site with support services such as funding, mattresses, transportation of guests, security and volunteer training.

What We Do:

We provide overnight shelters in York Region six nights per week during the coldest months of the year (November to March) at our nine host community sites.

For 6 nights each week, approximately 50 men and women are served a sit-down meal, provided with clean clothes, entertainment such as movies and music, and overnight accommodation. Each night up to 30 people sleep overnight, eat a full breakfast, are provided with a bagged lunch, and public transportation tokens.

Support services such as on-site nurses and referrals to other agencies are also provided.

The program is primarily run by volunteers and relies heavily on the support and dedication of volunteers who offer their time, comfort and hospitality to the guests that use the program.

Our Mission:

"To provide shelter and food to the homeless and poor through a network of interfaith community partners under the principle of compassion, acceptance and safe refuge".

Our Vision:

To see society understand and accept homelessness and poverty, and actively participate in solutions. To achieve strong, vibrant communities that encompass good health, safe shelter, compassion, and opportunities for all citizens.