Warming shelter's opening gives another option to city's most vulnerable

The Alms House, site of the county's Extreme Cold Weather Warming Shelter. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Moments before he left Tri-City Coop Saturday morning, Joshua got the news he'd been hoping for.

Strafford County's Extreme Cold Weather Shelter would be opening at 2 p.m. and remain open through the current cold snap which continues today but is expected to moderate on Monday.

"It just gives me another option," said Joshua, a lifelong Rochester resident and Spaulding grad who oftentimes finds himself homeless.

He said right now he has a place to stay warm at the home of an acquaintance but the arrangements are often tenuous.

As he left the Coop around noon, a backpack slung across his back, he took with him the shelter information, which included hours of operation and pickup times at the Dover Amtrak station.

Tory Jennison, the shelter's director and Director of Population Health and the Integrated Delivery Network for Strafford County, said they'll stay open till 9 a.m. on Monday.

The shelter is located in the Alms House on the County Complex at 276 County Farm Road in Dover.

The shelter itself will comprise some 38 beds, but Jennison said they don't intend to turn anyone away and if more beds are necessary they'll be found.

While bus service was available on the hour from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday today's transportation will be provided on an "as needed basis," Jennison said.

Officials said COAST bus passes will provided when the Shelter closes on Monday morning and the County Complex route resumes.

Jennison urged social service agencies and municipalities to provide transportation options to their clients or resident seeking access.

For other transportation options and general shelter questions, folks are urged to call the shelter at 857-323-0388.