City of Providence Announces Opening of Overnight Warming Center in Response to Forecasted Severe Cold Weather

Saturday, January 18, 2025

The DaVinci Center Will Serve as a Temporary Warming Center Beginning Monday

Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the Providence City Council announced today that in response to the extreme cold weather expected next week, the City will be collaborating with community partners Better Lives RI and the DaVinci Center to open an overnight warming center for Providence's unhoused population. The City is working closely with providers to ensure everyone who needs assistance has access to a warm, safe place to stay during the extreme weather overnight and during the day.

The temporary warming center will be located at the DaVinci Center at 470 Charles Street and will be open Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21, from 7:00PM to 7:00AM. The City is seeking volunteers to assist at the DaVinci Center. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating supplies can fill out this form.

In addition to the DaVinci Center, the following overnight locations will be open to the public:

Crossroads RI - 160 Broad Street (401-521-2255)

Providence Rescue Mission - 627 Cranston Street (401-274-8861)

Emmanuel House - 239 Public Street (401-421-7888)

For a full list of warming center locations and hours, visit www.providenceri.gov/pema/providence-warming-centers/.

The City and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) recommend all residents stay indoors when possible and limit exposure to the cold and wind. They also encourage the community to take precautions and are providing the following tips and suggestions.

Cold Weather Safety Tips:

• Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles; keep such devices away from all flammable materials.
• Install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (at least one of each per floor in your home).
• Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
• Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills indoors; these produce carbon monoxide.
• Outdoors, stay dry and in wind-protected areas.
• Wear a hat or hood to prevent heat from escaping the body and several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing, covering all exposed skin during exposure.
• Bring household pets inside, if possible.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and people with special needs.
• Wear mittens, a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Watch for signs of frostbite-skin appears white and waxy, numbness or no feeling in that area and/or possible blister.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia-shivering and numbness, confusion or dizziness, stumbling and weakness, slow or slurred speech and shock.

Stay informed on upcoming weather events or possible storms by following City of Providence, PEMA, and Providence Recreation Department social media platforms.

To receive up-to-the-minute alerts and updates, residents are encouraged to register for the CodeRED emergency notification system by visiting: https://www.providenceri.com/PEMA/codered.

In case of an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency issues, contact PVD311 during business hours.

For more information, please visit the City's website.

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