Warming Center closes for season April 1

posted on 3/31/2023

The Warming Center of Strafford County closes its operation for the winter on April 1.

SOS Recovery Community Organization was contracted to operate the Warming Center, activated when the weather met pre-defined criteria for life-threatening conditions. Strafford County partnered with the cities of Dover, Somersworth, and Rochester and oversaw and aided SOS’ operations.

Numerous volunteers helped staff at the Warming Center and/or provided meals. Red’s Good Vibes also provided thousands of meals during operations. In addition to providing a safe space for those unhoused, SOS offered wrap-around services for clients seeking assistance to help meet their basic needs. During the season, 15 clients accessed treatment and recovery services. Others received stabilization services and medical care. The Greater Seacoast Community’s mobile health van made weekly visits, with health van staff and often University of New Hampshire nursing students to provide medical care to more than 30 people that might have otherwise ended up in the emergency room. Dr. Reiko Johnson with Volunteers In Medicine provided additional medical support visits.

The Warming Center primarily operated during the overnights but opened during the day during significant winter storms. SOS provided public recaps of services each night on the Warming Center Facebook page.

Need emergency assistance?

Those in need of emergency assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care, are encouraged to connect with their local welfare office. Anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency, including exposure to extreme weather elements, should immediately contact local police, fire, or emergency medical services by phone or by visiting the emergency service buildings present in each community.

Tri-city welfare departments

Dover: Open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the McConnell Center, 61 Locust St., 603-516-6500; website: https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/cityoperations/public-welfare/.

Somersworth: Open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at City Hall, 1 Government Way, 603-692-9509; website: https://www.somersworth.com/welfare-humanservices.

Rochester: Open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at City Hall, 31 Wakefield St., 603-332-3505; website: https://www.rochesternh.net/municipal-welfare-department.

New Hampshire 211

Those experiencing homelessness anywhere in the state can call 211 to get connected with available resources.

The City of Dover owns the Willand Drive facility. The City Council authorized its purchase in December 2020 with federal grant funds to help ease pressure on regional facilities that provide services to the unhoused during the first winter of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the 2022-2023 winter season, the cities of Dover and Rochester each provided $50,000 for operations. Through Strafford County, the state provided $29,000 for operations. Somersworth provides in-kind services through emergency personnel. The City of Dover and Strafford County also provide in-kind facility and maintenance support.