Cold weather shelter activated through Monday

The Willand Drive homeless shelter will be available beginning at 7 tonight. (Courtesy photo)

The Emergency Management Directors of Dover, Rochester, and Somersworth are activating the Strafford County Extreme Cold Weather Warming Center beginning tonight, officials said on Wednesday.

The warming center will remain open from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. each night, through Monday morning.

The directors made the decision to activate the warming center due to a forecast of extended, life-threatening cold temperatures beginning today that will likely diminish the availability of existing shelter space.

The warming center is located at 30 Willand Drive in Somersworth. Partners and municipalities are asked to help transport at-risk or unsheltered clients to the warming center when possible. COAST Bus has agreed to transport anyone on their way to the warming center to the closest bus stops at no cost. COAST Bus does not operate on Sunday, and officials note they will be unable to transport clients to or from the center.

Those seeking to warm up may arrive anytime between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. during the activation period. Referrals or reservations are not required. COVID-19 coronavirus precautions are in place, including hand hygiene, social distancing, and required masking. Cots are available at the warming center; however, no meals will be provided.