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."

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/11/when-maine-warming-centers-cant-keep-up-with-demand-we-are-tasked-with-life-and-death-decisions/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/6zqQD

@newsbot

#Unhoused #Homeless #Houseless #ArcticBlast #PolarVortex #ExtremeCold #OvernightShelters #WarmingShelters #WarmingSheltersInMaine

#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, 2025

Homelessness 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

@newsbot

#ArcticBlast #WarmingShelters #WarmingCenters #Montreal #MontrealShelters #PolarVortex #StayWarm #Houseless #Homeless #HotDrinks #OvernightShelters

#KeeneNH

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/

@newsbot

#ExtremeCold #PolarVortex #ArcticBlast #WarmingShelter #OvernightShelter #WarmingCenters #Unhoused #Houseless #Homeless #EmergencyShelters

#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
#WoonsocketRI

FMI - 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

@newsbot

#WarmingCenters #WarmingShelters #LibrariesRule #Unhoused #Houseless
#PolarVortex #ArcticBlast #Homeless #WarmingCenterRhodeIsland #EmergencyShelters

#NewYork - Warm Places for the Cold – #NewYorkCity

The Department of Homeless Services has a policy called “Code Blue” for winter nights when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below, including wind-chill, between 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

What Changes When #CodeBlue is in Effect?

On these nights, Department of Homeless Services policies are relaxed to ensure everyone is warm and safe. This includes:

- Drop-in centers are required to take as many clients as possible, within the Department of Buildings restrictions.
- Anyone in need of a place to go can walk into single adult or family shelters, without undergoing typical intake and eligibility procedures, for the night in question.
- Clients can access any shelter, not just their assigned shelter, for the night in question.
- More outreach teams will be on the streets to offer services and shelter.
- No shelter suspensions or sanctions can be carried out on these dates. Clients who have been sanctioned can return to the shelter for the night in question, if necessary."

Read more:
https://neighborhooddefender.org/blog/warm-places-for-the-cold-new-york/

@newsbot

#Manhattan #StatenIsland #Harlem #LowerEastSide #Bronx #LGBTQYouth #MensShelters #WomensShelters #DayCenters #WarmingCenters #Shelters #Unhoused #Houseless #Homeless #WarmingShelters

#Michigan - City of #DetroitMI extends #StandByShelters and #RespiteLocations because of continued #ExtremeCold conditions

Updated January 16, 2026

Key Points:

- In partnership with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, the City will provide an overnight shelter from now through Jan. 21 at noon.

- The Pope Francis Center will open a second Stand-by Shelter for single adults on Jan. 19 at 5 pm and close on Jan. 21 at noon.

- Residents seeking relief from the bitter cold can visit any Detroit Public Library branch during regular operating hours but should note holiday closings.

- City of Detroit to open two recreation centers during MLK Jr. Day to offer daytime respite.

"As temperatures are expected to drop into the teens and with wind chills in the single digits, the City of Detroit is notifying residents that overnight stand-by shelter and daytime respite locations are available to provide relief from the cold. Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo has declared a cold weather health emergency to help residents remain safe. To offer Detroit residents an escape from the cold, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is activating an overnight stand-by shelter.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Stand-by Shelter location, 13130 Woodward Avenue, is operating now through Wednesday, Jan. 21 at noon. All household types - single men, women, and families with children - can be served at this location.
Pope Francis Center Stand-by Shelter location: 2915 W. Hancock, will open Monday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. through Wednesday, Jan. 21 at noon. This site can only accept single adults.

Access to Overnight Stand-by Shelter 

Residents can access the temporary overnight stand-by shelter sites anytime by walking in, no referral needed, or by calling the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520, operated 24/7.

Alternatively, if individuals are sleeping outside and need help after hours, they should go to a police precinct to be connected with an outreach team for help with overnight services.

Residents also have the option of going to an in-person CAM site at Cass Community Social Services at 12025 Woodrow Wilson on Thursday, Jan. 15, Friday, Jan. 16 (11 a.m. - 6 p.m.), and Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; or NOAH at Central at 23 E. Adams on the second floor, on Thursday, Jan. 15, Friday, Jan. 16 (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.), and Tuesday, Jan. 20 (9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Please note this schedule is adjusted for holiday hours as CAM is closed on January 19. More information about access to shelter can also be found at camdetroit.org/.

Currently, the City of Detroit has more than 1,700 emergency shelter and drop-in center beds that it operates with local partners. Individuals having a housing crisis or need emergency shelter should call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520.

Access to Shelter Outside Normal Business Hours
(After 6 p.m. on weekdays or 24/7 on weekends)

Individuals sleeping outside or in their car and need shelter right away have two options:

Call 866-313-2520 to be connected with a Street Outreach team, Motor City Mitten Mission
Go to the nearest police station: detroitmi.gov/departments/police-department/precincts-and-neighborhood-police-officers

Respite Locations
The City of Detroit recreation centers and Detroit Public Library branches will operate as respite locations during the following days and hours.     

Detroit Recreation Centers

All recreation centers are open as respite sites during regular business hours and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19. The only exceptions are Adams Butzel Complex and Coleman A. Young Recreation Center, which are both open on MLK Day.

Adams-Butzel, 10500 Lyndon, Detroit 48238
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Special hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m

B. Ford Community Center, 100 Lenox, Detroit 48215
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval, Detroit 48214
Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closed Saturday

Chandler Park Fieldhouse, 12300 Chandler Park Drive, Detroit 48213
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Clemente Recreation Center, 2631 Bagley, Detroit 48216
Monday – Friday 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Saturday

Coleman Young Recreation Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Dr, Detroit 48207
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Special hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m

Crowell Recreation Center, 16630 Lahser, Detroit 48219
Monday – Friday 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive, Detroit 48234
Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Brock, Detroit 48205
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Helen Moore Community Center, 11825 Dexter Blvd., Detroit 48206
Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center, 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit 48206
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort St., Detroit 48217
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon, Detroit 48212
Monday – Friday 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Saturday

Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers, Detroit 48235
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere, Detroit 48209
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Detroit Public Library Branches  
Additionally, all Detroit Public Library branches are available during their normal operating hours for residents to stay warm. Please note: All library locations will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19.

The Main Library is normally open Monday and Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday from noon – 8 p.m.; Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.  

Bowen Branch, 3648 W. Vernor Hwy. 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m.

Campbell Branch, 8733 W. Vernor Hwy. 
Mon. & Wed. from noon – 8 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Chandler Park Branch, 12800 Harper 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m.

Chaney Branch, 16101 Grand River Ave. 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m.

Chase Branch, 17731 W. 7 Mile Rd. 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m. 

Conely Branch, 4600 Martin 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m. 

Duffield Branch, 2507 W. Grand Blvd. 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m.

Edison Branch, 18400 Joy Road 
Mon. & Wed. from noon – 8 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Elmwood Park Branch, 550 Chene 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m. 

Franklin Branch, 13651 E. McNichols 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m.

Hubbard Branch, 12929 W. McNichols 
Mon. & Wed. from noon – 8 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Jefferson Branch, 12350 E. Outer Drive 
Mon. & Wed. from noon – 8 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Knapp Branch, 13330 Conant 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m.

Lincoln Branch, 1221 E. Seven Mile Road 
Mon. & Wed. from noon – 8 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Parkman Branch, 1766 Oakman Blvd. 
Mon. & Wed. from noon – 8 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Redford Branch, 21200 Grand River Ave. 
Mon. & Wed. from noon – 8 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sherwood Forest Branch, 7117 W. Seven Mile Road 
Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m.

Wilder Branch, 7140 E. 7 Mile Rd. 
Tues., Thurs. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed. from noon – 8 p.m"

Read more:
https://detroitmi.gov/news/city-detroit-extends-stand-shelters-and-respite-locations-because-continued-extreme-cold-conditions-0

@newsbot

#WarmingCenters #WarmingShelters #PolarVortex #ArcticBlast #Unhoused #Houseless #Homeless #StayWarm

Opinion: We should remember unhoused people when a severe snowstorm hits
Here we go again. #Toronto’s annual open-and-shut Band-Aid operation of emergency shelters for inclement weather.

Updated Jan. 15, 2026
By Cathy Crowe Contributor

"Here we go again. Toronto’s annual open-and-shut Band-Aid operation of emergency shelters for inclement weather.

"I’m used to city councillors fighting hard for their communities — whether it’s for transit, schools, safe roads, libraries or parks — but none of them questioned why their Scarborough, East York, York, North York or Etobicoke wards had no cool centres.

"Instead, it appears they believe a single 24/7 cooling centre, likely operating in the lobby at Metro Hall, will be sufficient for everyone needing respite across a city that spans 43 km east to west and 21 km north to south. This despite the city’s own 2024 Street Needs Assessment that counted more than 1,600 people living outside and shelter data that documented more than 150 people per day denied shelter due to lack of space.
Toronto has botched its approaches to protect vulnerable people during extreme weather."

Source:
https://www.thestar.com/rolling-file/opinion-we-should-remember-unhoused-people-when-a-severe-snowstorm-hits/article_0ccef729-53aa-455e-bf22-69106af3e072.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/Ek5Fc

#EmergencyPreparedness #EmergencyShelters #ExtremeWeather #ClimateChange #WarmingCenters #CoolingCenters #Housing4All #TorontoON #Ontario #Canada

#Maine - #BangorME #WarmingCenter draws near record crowd amid temperature drop

By Brian Sullivan
Published: Jan. 16, 2026 at 3:34 PM EST

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - "The return to more January-like conditions made for one of the busiest days on record for a Bangor warming center.

"By 9:30 a.m. Friday, The Well, located off Center Street, had 73 people checked in.

"They offer breakfast and lunch, laundry, and a hot shower. It’s also a chance to be seen by a medical professional.

"Open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. six days a week, the crew tells WABI they work to meet people where they’re at.

" 'I have experienced other places in the Bangor area that are meant to be helping the homeless,' explained warming center user Kerry Robinson. 'There is nothing compares to this.'

" 'There’s a lot of mental illness that’s not being taken care of,' said Jericho Road Street Ministry, President, Mel Coombs. 'Some of the mental illness is treated, but they lose their medication because they are homeless, and they don’t have a proper storage for the medication. We love everybody that comes through our door. We don’t discriminate at all. I don’t think housing is the answer. It would help, but it’s not a long-term solution. I spoke to the city council the other day, and I basically told them the same thing. That’s not the answer. I don’t have the answers, but hopefully we’re here until somebody comes up with the right solution.'

"The Well is operated by Jericho Road Ministry. They are a 501 3C non-profit and run solely on donations.

"They accept money but are also happy to take clothing and other items to help people get though the colder months."

https://www.wabi.tv/2026/01/16/bangor-warming-center-draws-near-record-crowd-amid-temperature-drop/

@newsbot

#Unhoused #Homeless #Houseless #Maine #WarmingCenters #ArcticBlast #PolarVortex #ExtremeCold

Alrighty then... Focusing on #WarmingCenters and #Shelters for those in the #US, which is undergoing #PolarVortex phenomenon and with #ExtremeCold hitting the central US and heading to the #Northeast!

Thanks to everyone who participated in this week's #SolarPunkSunday! We'll be back again next week! Stay warm, stay in touch with others, don't lose sight of a #SolarPunk future with #Earth4All and #ABetterWorld. Remember, #ResistanceIsFertile!