City to open warming center on Friday and Saturday

A former auto parts store on Hanson Street is the site of a city warming shelter that will be open Friday and Saturday. (courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The City of Rochester will open a warming facility at 38 Hanson St. that will be available from 7 p.m. till 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday for those who need shelter from the cold and snow.

This is an extreme weather warming facility and not a homeless shelter, officials stated. As a result, when extreme weather occurs, this facility will operate only from late evening to early morning based upon the fact that during day time and early evening hours there are other refuge options, such as City Hall and the Public Library.

This facility will be staffed by trained volunteers at all times that it is in operation. The Integrated Delivery Network (IDN), an agency housed at the Strafford County complex, has a formal program to train volunteers in the proper and safe management of facilities of this type. The IDN has been involved in the operation of the multiple warming facility operations that have operated in Dover over the last two months and has been involved in the creation of this warming facility.

Despite the key role of the IDN volunteers in the operation of this facility, the city has maintained overall oversight and coordination of the creation of this facility.

Anyone seeking shelter tonight is urged to contact the City Manager's office at 603-332-1167 with any questions or concerns regarding other regional warming facilities.