Warming Center of Strafford County operating as-needed through Winter
The tri-cities of Dover, Somersworth and Rochester with Strafford County have contracted with the non-profit organization Karlee's Home Team to operate the warming center at 30 Willand Drive in Somersworth on an emergency basis, through March 31, 2024.
When activated, the warming center will be available for those seeking shelter from 5 p.m. through 9 a.m. the following morning, unless otherwise noted on this page. Karlee's Home Team is partnering with area agencies, including Red's Good Vibes, which will help provide food. Karlee's also needs volunteers and support from local restaurants, supermarkets, and agencies involved in food insecurity to provide nutritious meals and snacks.
Contact the Warming Center at 603-742-2709 or via direct message to the Warming Center of Strafford County's Facebook page www.facebook.com/warmingcenterofsc.
Access 30 Willand Drive via Route 108 (New Rochester Road), or Commercial Drive from High Street in Somersworth. The two nearest COAST bus stops are High Street: Holy Trinity Church/Bernier Street (Route 1) and Midway Buick/Coastal Neurology (Route 12). Tickets/bus passes required. In addition to buses, tickets are available at SOS Recovery Organization's 4 Broadway, Dover and 14 Signal St., Rochester locations. Find COAST Bus at schedules coastbus.org/schedules.
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.
Sign up for text message activation alerts
To sign up for automated text notifications for activations and critical updates, text “willand” to 855-935-4402. Message frequency will vary. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to cancel text notifications.
City facilities serve as warming and cooling centers
Several City of Dover facilities serve as warming centers during extreme cold weather and cooling centers during extreme hot weather.
Dover's warming and cooling centers include the McConnell Center, the Public Library and City Hall. These specific public buildings are accessible and welcome those seeking relief from the weather during regular business hours.
The Police Department's lobby at 46 Chestnut St., is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with chairs for those who need a respite from the weather. The three fire stations are also always open: Liberty North End Fire Station is located at 262 Sixth St; Central Fire Station is located at 9-11 Broadway; and the South End Fire Station is located at 25 Durham Road.