Warming Centers Open as Temperatures Plunge

Brutally cold temperatures are on the way and cities and towns are opening warming centers to keep people safe.

Gov. Ned Lamont is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to be activated from noon Monday through noon Wednesday.

During this time period, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 211 and Connecticut shelters so anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need is urged to call 211 for help to find services.

Here are some of the warming centers that will be open.

BLOOMFIELD

• The Alvin & Beatrice Wood Human Services Center: 330 Park Ave., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday and Tuesday.
• Prosser Library, 1 Tunxis Ave.: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday and Tuesday.

Note: There is currently a mask mandate in effect in Bloomfield, and social distancing is required. The Town will provide water, but residents are asked to bring their own food. Bring medications, emergency contact phone numbers, and any other items you may need during the day. Service dogs are welcome.

BRIDGEPORT

The YMCA South End Community Center located at 650 Park Ave. will be open for anyone in need of a place to seek shelter during the daytime hours. The city says COVID-19 protocols are impacting other warming centers and anyone with children seeking services after 8 p.m. should contact 2-1-1.

BRISTOL

• Bristol Public Library: 5 High St., Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Bristol Senior Center: 240 Stafford Ave., Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Community Health Center: 395 North Main St., Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Salvation Army: 19 Stearns St., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Agape House: 43 School St., Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon
• Brian's Angels: 99 Summer St., Tuesday-Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• If local shelters are at capacity, call 211.

HAMDEN

• Keefe Community Center gym, 11 Pine St., Jan. 11 to Feb 28, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., seven nights a week. Enter through the George Street parking lot side. Beds will not be available.

HARTFORD

The city of Hartford said they're expanding hours at their warming centers because of the extreme cold weather in the forecast.

• 110 Washington St., open 24 hours, for individuals and young adults
• 104 Vine St., open 24 hours, for families with children under 18

NEW HAVEN

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen's drop-in center, 266 State St., will open as an emergency warming center.

** COLD WEATHER ALERT! ** Temps dropping Mon-Wed. DESK's Drop-in Center at 266 State St. open as an emergency warming center for those with no place else to go. Spread the word!@CSANewHaven @cityofnewhaven @MayorElicker @DowntownNHV @uwgnh @columbushouseCT @CSHHC @NewHavenPD pic.twitter.com/4ZsEIeKbgA

— Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (@desk_nhv) January 10, 2022

NEW LONDON

• New London Public Library, 63 Huntington St., Jan. 10 to 12, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• After hours: Homeless Hospitality Center, 325 Huntington St., for adults
• After hours: Covenant Shelter, 42 Jay St., for women and children

WATERBURY

The CHD Hospitality Center will open an overnight warming center at 5 p.m. Monday at 690 East Main St. It will be open from Monday until Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Walk-ins will be accepted until 8 p.m.

WATERFORD

The Waterford Community Center: 24 Rope Ferry Road, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

WINCHESTER

Town of Winchester Warming Centers/Charging Centers

• Town Hall Francis P. Hicks Room, 338 Main St.
  • Monday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to noon
• Blanche McCarthy Senior Center (Open to age 55+ or disabled), 80 Holabird Ave.
  • Monday: 8 a.m. to noon
  • Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 8 a.m. to noon
  • Thursday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to noon
• Open Door Soup Kitchen, 160 Main St.
  • Monday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Second and third Saturday of the month: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Beardsley & Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place
  • Tuesday. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday:10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Winsted Area Volunteer Ambulance Headquarters, 655 Main St.
  • Hours of operation to be determined based on the availability of staffing

Local Businesses Open as Warming Centers During Business Hours:

• Dunkin Donuts, South Main Street
• Dunkin Donuts, Hinsdale Avenue
• Winsted News (The Cigar Store), Main Street
• Kent Pizza, Main Street
• McDonald’s Restaurant, South Main Street
• McGrane’s on the Green, Park Place West
• ABC Pizza, Main Street
• Northwest CT Realty, Main Street

Note: Because of COVID 19 anyone entering a warming center will be required to always wear a mask and to maintain appropriate social distancing while in a warming center. This also applies to local businesses offering to act as warming centers. During Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol anyone in need of Immediate Shelter can obtain assistance by calling 211 or by contacting or going to the Winchester Police Department.