Rhode Island
Snow and bitter cold are on the way. Here’s where to find emergency warming sites in RI
Frigid cold in Northeast, next winter storm threat
Next week the Northeast region of the U.S. will remain cold and dry. Break down the next winter storm threat from Jan. 17-20.
With snow predicted on Sunday night and frigid temperatures in the forecast for the week ahead, authorities are once again opening emergency winter hubs.
Hundreds of people are currently on the state’s shelter intake waitlist, and the lack of shelter beds combined with bitter cold has pushed homelessness to the forefront of Rhode Island politics this winter.
In Providence, the City Council and mayor’s office are organizing a temporary warming center at the DaVinci Center at 470 Charles St., which will be open on Monday and Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The city is seeking volunteers and donations for hygiene items, blankets and snacks.
People interested in volunteering or donating supplies can fill out this form.
At the state level, the Department of Housing has activated additional overnight capacity at several warming sites. The Emergency Management Agency will update its website at riema.ri.gov with the latest details. These emergency hubs and existing drop-in shelters are open for walk-ins and do not require referrals from the Coordinated Entry System the way standard shelters do:
- West Warwick: West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory St. – Open Monday at 4:30 p.m. to Thursday at 10 a.m.
- Westerly: WARM Center, 56 Spruce St. – Open 24/7
- Woonsocket: 356 Clinton St. – Opens Monday at 5 p.m.
- Pawtucket: OpenDoors, 1139 Main St. – Open 24/7
- Providence: Crossroads Rhode Island, 160 Broad St. – Open 24/7
- Providence: Emmanuel House, 239 Public St. – Open 24/7
- South Kingstown (Peace Dale): Welcome House of South County, 8 North Road – Open 24/7