January 2026
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
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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.
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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
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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
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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:
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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.