West Havenwarming center uses ARPA funds; officials report nightly full occupancy

Director Rick Fontana told the council the city used ARPA unhoused-funding to operate an overnight warming center at 689 Campbell Avenue this winter. The center opened a few weeks later than planned but has run nightly from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. and, Fontana said, has frequently been full.

Fontana described operations: the site has a capacity normally set at 15 people, increased to 18 during declared extreme cold events. There are no beds; the facility uses mats to avoid triggering shelter classifications under health and safety rules. The city provides snacks and coffee and limits outside food donations for health-code reasons. He said security is provided by a contracted company and that donations and community support have been strong.

Staff said the site is leased year-round so it can be used as a cooling center in summer if needed. The mayor authorized keeping the center open longer if cold-weather conditions require it. Fontana said the program originally intended to run two winter seasons from ARPA funds and that the city will likely seek additional funding sources before ARPA monies expire.

Council members asked operational questions, including procedures for minors and whether people have been turned away. Fontana said minors are referred to an appropriate child shelter and two rooms have been set aside for families; he said people have been turned away only when the center was at capacity or when individuals posed a safety threat. He also said staffing and the presence of work or other obligations by clients can complicate capacity during extended cold events.

Ending: The center will close for the winter season on April 1 unless weather requires an extension; officials said they will seek additional funding to sustain services after ARPA allocations end.