When the weather turns extremely cold, having a safe place to take shelter becomes crucial, especially for people who lack stable housing. Winter shelters provide a warm place to sleep, as well as food and security, during freezing temperatures.
What Are Winter Shelters?
Winter shelters, also known as cold weather shelters, are temporary facilities that open when temperatures drop drastically. They can be set up in community centers, libraries, schools, churches, non-profit organizations, homeless service programs, emergency shelters, or even Red Cross facilities.
During severe cold weather, these shelters make it easier for people in need to access them. Even those who might not normally qualify for any shelter are sometimes allowed to stay when the weather is extremely unsafe.
When Do Winter Shelters Open?
These winter shelters are oprn when tempereture drops extremly or during weater alerts. Maximum winter shelters are open when:
- Temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F).
- During extreme wind chill or freeze warning.
- Snow, sleet, or freezing rain creates unsafe conditions outdoors.
Local emergency management offices or homeless service networks decide when to open shelters. Some operate seasonally (for example, from November to March), while others only open during weather emergency declarations.
How to Find a Winter Shelter Near You
You can find available shelters in several ways:
Call 2-1-1 (United Way Helpline)
Calling 2-1-1 connects you with local housing and emergency services. They can provide information about open shelters, transportation options, and check-in procedures.
Visit local government or city websites
Many cities post lists of heating centers and emergency shelters on their websites, which are updated daily during cold weather. Check the “Human Services,” “Emergency Management,” or “Homelessness Assistance” pages.
Contact local homelessness assistance agencies.
Organizations such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Volunteers of America runs winter shelter programs. They may also offer transportation, blankets, and hot meals.
Use online shelter finders.
Website like:
- HomelessShelterDirectory.org
- ShelterListings.org
- HUD Exchange Resource Locator
can help you find emergency shelter by zip code or city.
Check Libraries, Police Stations, and Hospitals
These places usually have up-to-date information about open shelters and can also offer a warm place to stay temporarily while transportation is arranged.
Local Nonprofits and Faith-Based Organizations Offering Winter Shelters
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, one of the largest and most active faith-based charities, runs emergency winter shelters, homeless shelters, and transitional housing programs across the country.
How to find help: Visit salvationarmyusa.org and enter your zip code to find local programs.
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities works with local churches to provide emergency shelter during the winter, food assistance, and support services for people in need.
Visit catholiccharitiesusa.org or contact your local diocese.
United Way
United Way does not operate shelters directly, but it helps people find local non-profit organizations that do. During periods of extreme cold, they collaborate with community groups to ensure that everyone finds a safe place to take shelter. You can call 211 or visit 211.org for assistance.
Volunteers of America (VOA)
VOA operates temporary and emergency shelters in many U.S. cities and they also expands their shelter capacity during the winter months. Visit voa.org and search for local chapters.
Churches and Local Faith Networks
Many churches and faith-based groups run rotating winter shelters during extreme winter by opens their buildings at night or working with local agencies.
You can check with nearby churches, chairities and faith-based groups. Many of them are listed in local shelter directories during cold-weather alerts.
Homeless Relief Ministries
Faith-based relief groups also operate heated vans, street outreach programs, and emergency motel voucher programs.
City Relief (New York and New Jersey): Offers assistance and help to find nearby shelters.
Union Gospel Mission (various states): Operates winter shelters, meals, and rehabilitation programs.
Rescue missions in major cities like Denver, Los Angeles, and Seattle offer beds in temporary shelters.
Local Community Action Agencies
While not always religious, these local nonprofit organizations are sn important place in winter emergency planning. They often coordinate with churches and government agencies to open shelters or heating assistance.
Use CommunityActionPartnership.com to find an agency near you.
YMCA and YWCA
In some cities, YMCA or YWCA centers offer warming centers or partner with local governments to provide overnight shelter during the winter.
What to Bring to a Winter Shelter
Most shelters allow you to bring personal things, but space is limited. If possible, bring:
- Identification (not always required)
- Warm clothing and blankets
- Medications and medical information
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, etc.)
- Snacks or bottled water
Weapons, alcohol, and drugs are generally prohibited. Many shelters have staff or security on site to ensure safety.
Transportation to Winter Shelters
Getting to a shelter can be hard during severe weather. That’s why many cities work with transportation services or nonprofits to offer:
- Free bus rides to designated shelters
- Emergency transportation programs through aid organizations
- Mobile relief teams that pick up people from encampments or public areas
For information about transportation, call 211 or your city’s emergency management office.
Long-term assistance after a severe cold emergency
There are long-term programs that help individuals and families regain stability and prevent future emergencies. Such as,
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
FEMA provides assistance with temporary housing, repair grants, and other recovery support when extreme cold emergencies are declared federal disasters. Apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
Continuity of Care (CoC) Programs
Funded by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), CoCs connect people experiencing homelessness with transitional housing, rental assistance, and case management. Find local CoCs at hudexchange.info.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs)
Contact your local housing authority for information about Section 8 vouchers, public housing, or special emergency housing programs that may be available after severe weather.
Emergency Solutions Grants (ESGs)
These federal grants support rapid rehousing, eviction prevention, and the operation of emergency shelters. ESGs are typically administered by nonprofit organizations and local community agencies.
Conclusion
Winter shelters are important for keeping people safe when temperatures drop below freezing. If you need shelter, or are helping someone else, it’s important to know how to find these places quickly. Use 211, local support groups, and city emergency services to locate safe and warm shelters during cold weather.
