Warming centers in region open as cold front enters

Warming shelters will open in several communities this week as a cold front descends on the region following a snowstorm Sunday night. AP
Published: 01-19-2025 3:44 PM |
Several communities in the region are opening warming centers for the first part of this week, as a cold front swoops in on the heels of a snowstorm Sunday night.
With temperatures expected to dip to lows of near zero degrees over the next three days, Northampton, Amherst and Holyoke are all opening centers where people can stay warm.
In Northampton, the center’s will be located at the following locations: Manna Community Center, St. John’s Church, 48 Elm St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day; Northampton Division of Community Care, 1 Round House Plaza, Monday from 3 to 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Clinical & Support Options, 29 Industrial Drive East, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day; Police Department lobby, 24 hours; Senior Center, 67 Conz St., Tuesay and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Forbes Library, 20 West St., Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Each location will provide a safe and warm environment, as well as access to basic services and support. Additionally, the City urges residents to check on neighbors who may be vulnerable during the cold weather and to report anyone in need of assistance to local authorities or outreach teams.
Amherst will open a warming shelter at the Bangs Community Center, Glass Room, 70 Boltwood Walk, Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., staffed by Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service.
Additionally, all public libraries in town are heated and will be open during normal operating hours. These include Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.; Munson Memorial Library, 1046 S. East St., Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 7:30 p.m.; and North Amherst Library, 8 Montague Road, Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
In addition to the warming center and libraries, Craig’s Doors will be providing after-hours support. Residents in need of assistance can contact 413-256-0704 for information on available shelter space or resources after standard hours.
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The Amherst Police Department is open 24/7. Individuals are welcome to warm up in the lobby during the coldest nights. Space is limited.
Holyoke is opening of an emergency shelter at 51 Hamilton St. dedicated to providing refuge for the unhoused population. Access is through Kate’s Kitchen door in the back parking lot. The shelter opened at 5 p.m. Sunday and close at 7 a.m. Thursday. Individuals must leave each morning by 8 a.m.
The shelter is handicapped accessible. Due to capacity limitations, the shelter is for Holyoke residents only.
Other shelter services in Holyoke include the Center for Human Development (CHD), with individual accommodations at 1515 Northampton Road (former Motel 6), contact: 413-302-5398, capacity: 45 beds; CHD Warming Center, 696 Dwight St., Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and CHD emergency weather hotel stays: Limited hotel rooms for unsheltered individuals during severe weather. Contact the CHD triage line: 413-867-0398.