Warming Centers & Resources

As dangerously cold temperatures settle into Central Massachusetts this weekend, Open Sky Community Services encourages community members to take precautions and utilize available warming centers across Worcester and the surrounding region. Staying warm and connected is essential especially for individuals and families at risk of exposure during extended cold weather.

Worcester Warming Centers

For ongoing updates about warming centers please contact Central Mass Housing Alliance, Danielle Cutillo at Danielle.cutillo@gmail.com

• Worcester Public Library – Main Branch
  3 Salem Square, Worcester, MA
  The library has historically operated extended hours during cold-weather activations.
  More info: https://www.worcesterma.gov/announcements/worcester-activate-warming-centers-tuesday-wednesday
• Worcester Senior Center
  128 Providence Street, Worcester, MA
  Frequently open as a daytime warming center during deep-freeze periods.
  More info: https://www.worcesterma.gov/announcements/worcester-activate-warming-centers-tuesday-wednesday
• Worcester Technical High School – Emergency Winter Shelter
  1 Manny Familia Way
  Beginning Friday, January 23rd through Tuesday, January 27th
  Individuals must arrange their own transportation due to staff shortages.
• SMOC Shelter and Intake Center
  25 Queen Street, Worcester, MA 01610,  508-757-0103
  Go to 25 Queen St. for triage to 51 Oriol Drive shelter
  Go to 25 Queen St. for triage to Women’s shelter at 237 Chandler St.

Southbridge

Due to the ongoing cold temperatures, the Town of Southbridge is opening three Warming Center locations, effective today, to provide a safe, warm place for residents in need.

• Southbridge Senior Center
  153 Chestnut Street
  Wednesday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  Location 2: Southbridge YMCA
• 43 Everett Street
  Thursday & Friday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Jacob Edwards Library, 236 Main Street
  Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Milford, MA

• Pathway to a Better Life *Call for shelter specifics
  Michelle Zale or Lisa Trusas at (508) 488- 9107 or email PathwaytoaBetterLife2019@gmail.com

Northbridge, MA

• Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter
  Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday this weekend, 9pm-7am
  Serves the towns of Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Uxbridge
  Phone: 508-266-5122

Regional & Statewide Warming Center Directories

Residents outside Worcester—or anyone seeking updated lists of open warming centers—can turn to statewide information resources:

• Mass211 Warming Center Directory
  Mass211 provides real-time updates on warming shelters and emergency resources across Massachusetts.
  Find local warming centers: https://www.mass211.org
• Massachusetts Councils on Aging Directory
  Includes warming centers across Central Massachusetts such as libraries, senior centers, and emergency shelters.
  View directory: https://mcoaonline.org/emergency-shelters-warming-center-sites-and-directories/

State Guidance

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers detailed guidance for municipalities and residents on how warming centers operate and how to stay safe during extreme cold.
Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/warming-centers-guidance

How Open Sky Supports the Community

Open Sky Community Services remains committed to the health, safety, and stability of all individuals in our community. Our teams continue to support people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and help connect individuals to the shelters, warming centers, and services they need.

If you or someone you know is struggling to stay warm or safe this weekend, please use the resources above and check in on neighbors, loved ones, and community members who may be vulnerable.

For additional support, please contact Open Sky or call Mass211 for up-to-date emergency information.