Warming Center begins operation

posted on 11/17/2025

The Emergency Warming Center on Willand Drive in Somersworth is now open during the overnights of life-threatening weather through April 15, 2026. 

The warming center at 30 Willand Drive will also be open during the day on upcoming holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Strafford County and the cities of Dover, Rochester and Somersworth have again contracted with East Coast Evolution Leadership, LLC to operate the warming center for the 2025/2026 winter season for $250,000, with Strafford County administering the contract. Rochester and Dover are contributing up to $75,000 for operations, Somersworth is providing in-kind emergency services, and Strafford County is using funds from the state’s cold weather shelter program.

The City of Dover owns the emergency warming center property, which it purchased in 2020 with grant funds to be used during the COVID-19 pandemic during emergency cold weather events.

Volunteer and donations

The Warming Center operator welcomes donations and volunteers to help make a successful season. They’ve created a list of supplies needed for those interested in helping keep the center stocked. They will hold training sessions for volunteers in the coming weeks. 

The warming center operator created a Facebook group and encourages community folks to join for updates beyond basic activation alerts. Contact the Warming Center at 603-742-2709.