Governor Dan McKee is mobilizing resources across Rhode Island to protect residents from an impending polar vortex, with a focus on supporting those experiencing homelessness.
The state is activating emergency winter hubs through the Municipal Homelessness Support Initiative to provide additional overnight capacity. These hubs will be open without referral requirements starting tonight and continuing until the end of the extreme weather event.
“The safety of our residents, particularly those most vulnerable, is our top priority as we prepare for this intense cold,” McKee said. “We are ensuring that more resources are available to provide shelter, warmth, and support to those who need it the most.”
Emergency winter hubs will operate at the following locations:
- Westerly: WARM Center, open 24 hours during winter months
- West Warwick: West Warwick Civic Center, open 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. until Jan. 9, 2025
Update: While the MLK Community Center is available for the Aquidneck Island community during this cold weather episode, it is not serving as a state emergency hub, as previously reported. The center was erroneously included in that category due to a miscommunication among Newport-area parties, according to Governor McKee’s office.
Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard emphasized the critical nature of these facilities. “These hubs are a critical resource during this polar vortex,” she said. “They are temporary, emergency drop-in centers designed to provide immediate relief to individuals who might otherwise be exposed to the harsh conditions.”
The Department of Housing website will provide updated operating hours for all winter hubs, as they are subject to change.
In addition to the emergency hubs, several existing overnight shelters will be available on a drop-in basis starting tonight and lasting until the end of the polar vortex. These include:
- Crossroads Rhode Island in Providence, opening at 4 p.m. Jan. 6, 2025
- Emmanuel House in Providence, open 24 hours from Jan. 7 through Jan. 8, 2025
- Welcome House of South County in Peace Dale, open 24 hours
- OpenDoors in Pawtucket, open 24 hours
The state’s response involves collaboration between various agencies, municipalities, and community organizations to ensure widespread access to support services.
“We are committed to ensuring that these hubs are readily available to help those in need,” Goddard added.
The activation of these resources comes as Rhode Island prepares for a significant drop in temperatures. The polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s poles, is expected to bring extreme cold to the region.
Meteorologists predict that the vortex will push arctic air into the state, potentially causing temperatures to plummet well below freezing. Such conditions can be life-threatening, particularly for those without adequate shelter or heating.
The emergency winter hubs and expanded shelter access are part of a broader strategy to mitigate the risks associated with extreme cold. These facilities not only provide a warm place to sleep but also serve as access points for other essential services.
State officials urge residents to stay informed about weather conditions and to check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly the elderly or those with limited mobility.
The Department of Housing website serves as a central resource for information on available shelters and their operating hours. Residents are encouraged to consult this platform for the most up-to-date information as the situation evolves.
As the polar vortex approaches, Rhode Island’s coordinated response underscores the importance of community-wide efforts in addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather events. The state’s proactive measures aim to ensure that all residents, regardless of their housing situation, have access to safe and warm spaces during this period of intense cold.
