Overnight Warming Center Opening In Hamden

Press release from Town of Hamden:

HAMDEN, CT — The Town of Hamden, in partnership with Columbus House, Inc., will open an overnight winter warming center for those experiencing homelessness in the community.

Hamden’s Warming Center will be open from Jan. 8 through March 31, 7 p.m. - 7 a.m., seven nights a week. It will be stationed at the Keefe Community Center Gym at 11 Pine St. in Hamden. Please enter through the George Street parking lot, located at 19 George St.

The Warming Center will be operated by trained Columbus House staff who will monitor overnight shifts and share community outreach information with our guests.

The warming center is not a “shelter,” as no beds will be provided. It will offer a clean, safe, indoor overnight space to protect those in need from harsh weather conditions for those who would likely otherwise spend their nights outdoors. Hamden Police will provide walk-throughs on a nightly basis.

Organizations or agencies that are interested in providing dinners and breakfasts are encouraged to contact Columbus House at 203-401-4400 ext. 138 or by email at sdimario@columbushouse.org.

Residents wishing to contribute to the warming center may do so by donating items such as non-perishable, pre-wrapped snack food items and beverages. Donations of new socks, new underwear, gloves, hats, umbrellas, and rain ponchos are also welcome.

Donations may be dropped off at the Keefe Community Center between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Donation receipts will be available.

For further information, please contact Deputy Chief of Staff, Alexa M. Panayotakis, at (203) 287-7100 or by email at apanayotakis@hamden.com.

This press release was produced by Town of Hamden. The views expressed here are the author’s own.