As winter sets in and temperatures drop across Maine, many communities are responding by opening warming centers to ensure that residents have a safe and warm space to take refuge from the harsh elements. These centers provide vital relief, particularly for those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly, people with limited mobility, or those experiencing homelessness.
Warming centers typically offer hot beverages, blankets, and a place to rest, helping individuals escape dangerous wind chills or freezing conditions. Local governments, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups often collaborate to operate these centers during periods of extreme cold.
The latest listings for warming centers are on the Maine Emergency Management Agency’s website.
Auburn
- Norway Savings Bank Arena
- 985 Turner St.
- Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday
Auburn
- Auburn Public Library
- 49 Spring St.
- Open Monday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lewiston
- City of Lewiston Warming Shelter
- 551 Lincoln St.
- Open nightly, 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Lewiston
- New Beginnings
- 536 Main St.
- Ages 18-24
- Open overnight, 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Lewiston
- Trinity Jubilee Center
- 247 Bates St.
- Open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Saturday
Poland
- AB Ricker Memorial Library
- 1211 Maine St.
- Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday
- Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Portland
- First Parish Church
- 425 Congress St.
- 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Jan. 4-Jan. 10
Ellsworth
- Healthy Acadia
- 24 Church St.
- Open nightly, 4 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
- Contact info: tracy.crossman@healthyacadia.org or paige@healthyacadia.org
- Meals, snacks, and beverages available
Augusta
- South Paris Congregational Church
- 34 Bridge St.
- Contact info: 207-213-6637 or southparishwarmingcenter@gmail.com
For direct assistance to find resources available near you, dial 211 or call 1-877-463-6207; text your ZIP code to 898-211; or email info@211maine.org.
