Cold Weather Warming Centers Are Open Across Chicago

From public libraries to community centers, the city of Chicago offers more than 190 public facilities where anyone can find shelter from the cold this winter. Scroll down to see a map and find the nearest location. These shelters are open to anyone in need of refuge from the winter cold, including people experiencing homelessness, families without heat, seniors, and anyone in an emergency.

Warming Centers in Chicago

The Chicago Department of Family and Supportive Services (DFSS) operates the main communion centers throughout the city. These sites are located in community service centers in every Chicago neighborhood.

The main locations are:

1. Englewood Community Service Center

Address: 1140 W. 79th St.

Serves South Side residents with a walk-in communion space.

2. Garfield Community Service Center

Address: 10 S. Kedzie Ave.

One of the busiest centers in the city, located on the West Side.

3. King Community Service Center

Address: 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Provides communion services to residents of Bronzeville and surrounding areas.

4. North Area Community Service Center

Address: 845 W. Wilson Ave.

A key location for residents of Uptown, Edgewater, and the North Side.

5. South Chicago Community Service Center

Address: 8650 S. Commercial Ave.

Serves neighborhoods in the far south and southeast.

6. Trina Davila Community Service Center

Address: 4312 W. North Ave.

Located on the west side, available for emergency warming.

Other Public Warming Locations/Safe Spaces

In addition to the six main centers, the city offers many other public warming facilities, such as libraries, park district buildings, senior centers, police stations, and shelters.

Libraries & Park / Community Facilities

All participating Chicago Public Library locations operate as shelters during their regular hours.

Chicago Park District facilities, including sports centers and other community buildings, may also open as shelters when the cold weather arrives.

Senior Centers and Shelters

The city’s senior centers (operated by DFSS) are also part of the shelter network, which is especially helpful for older adults.

Some organizations, shelters, and service providers also open their doors to offer warmth, food, or other support (especially for people experiencing homelessness).

Police Stations (24/7 Safe Space)

During extreme cold, many local police stations, including the city’s 22 precincts, operate as shelters accessible 24/7.

Other Emergency Shelters and Shelters

Some shelters and emergency shelters also offer warmth and support. For example, the Salvation Army Freedom Center, located at 825 N. Christiana, has been listed as a 24/7 shelter during extreme cold. What to do if you need a shelter

Call 311 (or use the city’s emergency hotline) to find the nearest shelter and confirm if it is open.

Check if the nearest public library, gym, or community center is listed as a shelter; many are.

During extreme cold, more shelters may open in addition to the usual ones, especially municipal service centers, libraries, and parks.

What to bring

Shelters do not require identification. However, bringing a few items may be helpful:

• Warm clothing
• Personal medications
• Phone and charger
• Snacks or water

Shelters offer warmth and basic support, but they are not full-service shelters.

Conclusion

When temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F), Chicago opens six designated shelters across the city. Each is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications may extend hours due to extreme cold. Check the OEMC website and sign up for extreme weather alerts for the latest information.