Emergency Warming Center
Due to extreme cold weather, the City of Somerville will open an overnight Emergency Warming Center during the coldest months of the year to provide a safe, warm place to sleep for our residents experiencing homelessness.
Contact Information
The Cummings Building
42 Prescott St
Somerville , MA 02143
United States
Employee Directory
Location/Dates:
The Cummings Building (42 Prescott St, Somerville, MA)
Start Date to be determined
What an Emergency Warming Center is:
A warming center is a temporary night center for those experiencing homelessness. The extreme cold weather and snow we often experience is extremely dangerous and can be deadly for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. This center is a commitment from the city to provide a safe place to sleep during the coldest nights of the year.
What the Warming Center provides:
Hot and cold meals, water, bathrooms, beds, and space to sleep. The Center will have limited capacity for transportation to and from the Warming Center. The operator of the Warming Center will ensure there are staff on site, including security and an operational manager.
Are you struggling with winter heating costs? The Somerville Winter Heating Fuel Assistance Program may be able to help.
- What is the difference between a warming center and a homeless shelter?
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Permanence is the key difference, as well as the services. Warming Centers are a short-term operation, only active during the winter or a cold emergency, while homeless shelters operate year-round.
- What services are available?
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As an emergency shelter, the warming center will not offer wrap-around services. If you are someone currently experiencing homelessness, you can go to the Somerville Homeless Coalition at 1 Davis Sq. Monday through Friday. If you're seeking more extensive housing or case management services please contact the Somerville Office of Housing Stability at 617-625-6600 ext 2581 or complete our HHS online contact form for case management and mental health services.
- What is the capacity?
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The Warming Center accommodates approximately 20 people nightly with a small amount of overflow capacity.
- Who can come to the overnight warming center?
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The Warming Center is a low-barrier center, available to any adult experiencing homelessness.
- Can families or those with children come to the warming center?
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The warming center is not equipped to support families or children. Families or those with children seeking shelter, please contact the Somerville Office of Housing Stability at 617-625-6600 ext. 2581 for referral to family resources.
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