#warmingcenters — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #warmingcenters, aggregated by home.social.
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When #Maine #WarmingCenters can’t keep up with demand: ‘We are tasked with life and death decisions’
Advocates say #overnight facilities are essential in Maine, but services are limited and it is increasingly difficult to meet the need in communities, including those in #YorkCounty.
by Gillian Graham, January 11, 2026
BIDDEFORD — "Vassie Fowler feels a heavy burden when the doors of the warming center open.
"On the top floor of a former church, more than 50 homeless people unfold antigravity chairs and blankets to settle in and try to sleep each night. On evenings when temperatures dip into the single digits, the center will squeeze in up to 60.
But Seeds of Hope can’t make room for everyone." 'We know if we say no, there’s no other option for people,' said Fowler, executive director of the nonprofit on South Street. 'We are tasked with what feels like life and death decisions.'
"Advocates for the homeless population say warming centers are essential in Maine, where it can be dangerous and deadly to go unsheltered during winter months. But in a state with limited services, they say it is increasingly difficult to meet the need in many communities, including those in #YorkCounty, where there are no spots at overnight facilities for most of the hundreds of people who are homeless.
In September, Gov. Janet Mills and MaineHousing announced $2.3 million in grants to support 12 emergency warming centers across the state this winter in Bangor, Portland, Ellsworth, Presque Isle, Waterville, Lewiston, Biddeford, Sanford, Augusta and Brunswick."Some, like Seeds of Hope, are open every night.
"Others are more restricted: Portland only opens its shelter when the temperature is below 15 degrees or more than 10 inches of snow are expected; and in Sanford, the only center has 16 beds and is limited to families with children.
"People who are unsheltered in Sanford feel helpless and discouraged, said Rebecca Jackson, co-founder of It Takes a Village 207, a nonprofit that provides support and resources to people in the city.
" 'When temperatures reach dangerously low levels, access to warmth is not a luxury — it is a matter of survival,' Jackson said. 'Without accessible, low-barrier places to warm up, people are left with impossible choices that put their health and lives at risk.'
[...]
"On Wednesday afternoon, 28-year-old Brooke Paul huddled near a doorway at a shopping plaza in downtown Sanford. She said she has been homeless for six years and sleeps in a tent in the woods near a walking trail.
"During the day, she tries to warm up by going into local businesses until she is asked to leave. At night, she layers her clothes and uses as many blankets as she can.
" 'The other night was freezing. It sucks,' she said. She wishes there was a nearby warming center.
" 'Why wouldn’t there be?' she said."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/6zqQD
@newsbot#Unhoused #Homeless #Houseless #ArcticBlast #PolarVortex #ExtremeCold #OvernightShelters #WarmingShelters #WarmingSheltersInMaine
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#Montreal #Canada - New #WarmingCentres offer relief to #unhoused Montrealers during bitter cold
Additional sites, including one in #Rosemont – #LaPetitePatrie, aim to fill critical gaps
CBC News · Posted: Jan 05, 2026
Excerpt: "According to Montreal’s website, the heated spaces are accessible daily during the cold season, in the evening and all night, and will remain open until March 31. Shuttles are available. Visitors can get snacks, hot drinks and referrals to other resources.
Five locations are listed on the city’s website, which says the aim is to co-habitate with the surrounding community. [See link below for locations]"
Source:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-unhoused-warming-centres-9.7034495
Warming centres: Places where unhoused people can relax
Last updated December 18, 2025Homelessness in Montréal
The city has set up temporary warming centres for people experiencing homelessness. These heated spaces are accessible daily during the cold season, in the evening and all night, and will remain open until March 31, 2026. Visitors can get snacks, hot drinks and referrals to other resources.
Warming centres let people get out of the cold and spend the night in a warm, safe place. They are set up in various city or partner facilities and are run in collaboration with community organizations.
Registration is not required to use the centre.
Actions to promote cohabitation
Warming centres provide a safe and quiet place for unhoused people in the area. Teams and partners are on site to provide psychosocial support, cleanliness and ensure harmonious co-existence with the neighbourhood. Every possible measure has been put in place to limit noise and preserve a peaceful environment.
Safety and security are maintained through close collaboration between the Montréal police and community organizations. Strict rules and close surveillance on site prevent incivility and ensure respectful behaviour."
FMI:
https://montreal.ca/en/articles/warming-centres-places-where-unhoused-people-can-relax-100599#ArcticBlast #WarmingShelters #WarmingCenters #Montreal #MontrealShelters #PolarVortex #StayWarm #Houseless #Homeless #HotDrinks #OvernightShelters
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For Those In Need Of Shelter:
Give us a call at (603) 352-5197, preferably after 3pm
Our Shelter Manager begins his shift at 3pm, so we will have a better idea of the number of beds available by that time.
Call the Human Services/Welfare Department of the Town you last paid rent in
Keene Residents: Call the City of Keene Human Services at (603) 357-9809
List of Cheshire County town offices and beyond
Call 2-1-1 New Hampshire to get connected with available shelters and resources
Check out our “Partner Agencies” page for Keene-area non-profits and community agencies that focus on food, housing, mental health, addiction services, and more."FMI:
https://hundrednightsinc.org/homelessness/some-resources-if-you-are-facing-homelessness/#ExtremeCold #PolarVortex #ArcticBlast #WarmingShelter #OvernightShelter #WarmingCenters #Unhoused #Houseless #Homeless #EmergencyShelters
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#RhodeIsland - Warming Centers | Emergency Management Agency
"Below is a list of warming centers throughout the state. If you do not see your community listed or to verify times and center locations, contact your local municipalities for more information. If you need additional assistance, call 2-1-1.
All details and information are subject to change at any time. Individuals seeking resources are encouraged to call ahead before visiting."
Pets:
Pets needing sheltering may be taken to the Potter League for Animals, located at 87 Oliphant Ln, Middletown, RI. The potter league closes at 5:00 PM daily. If emergency pet sheltering is needed call (401) 846-8276 during and after normal work hours.#BarringtonRI
#BristolRI
#BurrillvilleRI
#CentralFallsRI
#CharlestownRI
#CoventryRI
#CranstonRI
#CumberlandRI
#EastGreenwichRI
#EastProvidence
#ExeterRI
#GlocesterRI
#HarmonyRI
#HopkintonRI
#JamestownRI
#JohnstonRI
#LincolnRI
#LittleComptonRI
#MiddletownRI
#NewportRI
#NorthKingstownRI
#NorthProvidenceRI
#NorthSmithfieldRI
#PawtucketRI
#PortsmouthRI
#ProvidenceRI
#SouthProvidenceRI
#SmithfieldRI
#TivertonRI
#WarrenRI
#WarwickRI
#WesterlyRI
#WestGreenwichRI
#WestWarwickRI
#WoonsocketRIFMI - https://riema.ri.gov/warming-centers
For an extended and detailed list of resources provided by Executive Office of Housing for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, please visit, click below.
https://housing.ri.gov/resources/individuals-experiencing-homelessness#WarmingCenters #WarmingShelters #LibrariesRule #Unhoused #Houseless
#PolarVortex #ArcticBlast #Homeless #WarmingCenterRhodeIsland #EmergencyShelters -
2025 - 2025 #WarmingShelters
On September 23, Governor Janet Mills and MaineHousing announced $2.3 million in state grants to support the operation of 12 overnight emergency warming centers in seven Maine counties this winter. The following warming centers will operate during the 2025 - 2026 winter season:
Bangor Area Homeless Shelter - #BangorME
City of Portland - #PortlandME
City of Sanford - #SanfordME
Healthy Acadia - #EllsworthME
Homeless Services of Aroostook - #AroostookME
Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter - #WatervilleME
New Beginnings - #LewistonME
Seeds of Hope - #BiddefordME
Augusta Emergency Overnight Warming Center - #AugustaME
State Street Church - #PortlandME
Tedford - #BrunswickMESource:
https://www.mainehousing.org/news/public-notices/2025---2025-warming-shelters#Unhoused #Homeless #ArcticBlast #WarmingCenters #Maine #ExtremeCold #Houseless #PolarVortex
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Here's where to find #WarmingCenters around #Maine
by WGME Staff
Tue, January 21st 2025Below is a list of warming shelters:
Augusta
- The Augusta Civic Center at 76 Community in Augusta is open as a warming center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. No pets, drugs, alcohol or weapons in the facility.
- The South Parish Congregational Church at 34 Bridge St. in Augusta is open as a warming center. Call 207-213-6637 for more information.
Bangor
- The Mansion Church at 96 Center Street in Bangor (207) 249-9154 is open through March 31 from 6 pm. – 7 a.m. seven days a week. The shelter can accommodate 30 guests. No violence, drugs/alcohol on premises. Bag searches/pat downs.
- Hope House at 179 Corporate Drive in Bangor will be opening 8 life safety beds for snowstorms, low temps, and extreme weather. Call (207) 217-6713 for bed availability.
- Shaw House at 136 Union Street in Bangor is open 24 hours youth until 21st birthday. Call (207) 941-2874 or come by for shelter.
- The Well Warming Center/Jericho Road at 146 B Center Street in Bangor is open through March 31 Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. No violence, drugs/alcohol on premises. Bag searches/pat downs.
- Brick Church at 126 Union Street in Bangor is open through April 15 from 4 p.m. - 7 a.m. seven days a week. Dinner at 4 pm. Can accommodate 30 guests. No violence, drugs/alcohol on premises. Bag searches.
- Bangor Area Homeless Shelter at 263 Main Street has a warming center that is currently open from 6 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. every day until March 21. Lunch is served at 11:45 a.m. every day to any adult in need.
Ellsworth
- Healthy Acadia at 24 Church Street in Ellsworth is open as a warming center seven nights a week from 4 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. until April 30. Meals, snacks, and beverages are available.
Lewiston
- New Beginnings at 436 Main Street in Lewiston is open as a warming center from 8 p.m. - 8 a.m. for ages 18-24.
- The City of Lewiston’s warming shelter at 551 Lincoln Street is open 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Trinity Jubilee Center at 247 Bates Street in Lewiston is open as a warming center Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Portland
- There will be a warming center opening up at First Parish Church at 425 Congress Street in Portland Monday- Wednesday nights (January 20-23). This shelter is opened as a temporary overnight warming shelter for unsheltered adults during periods of extreme cold or excessive snow, in addition to the permanent emergency shelters available to individuals experiencing homelessness 365 days a year.
Rockland
- Rockland Emergency Warming Center at the Rec/Flanagan Center in Rockland open for Jan. 20, Jan. 21, and Jan. 22 from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. with warm meals and warm showers. The shelter is at 61 Limerock St. Enter through the back side door on Union Street.
Stow
- Warming center is open at Stow Town Hall at 710 Stow Rd. in Stow.
https://wgme.com/news/local/heres-where-to-find-warming-centers-around-maine-frigid-arctic-air-wind-chills-forecast-colder-temperatures-winter
#BangorMaine #EllsworthMaine #PortlandMaine #RocklandMaine #StowMaine #LewistonMaine #AugustaMaine #WarmingShelters #ArcticBlast