Volunteers, church and police coordinate warming center at UU Church as cold-weather gap-filler

Summary

Councilors praised a new overnight warming center run at the Universalist Unitarian Church that has been open on very cold nights, serving an average 20–22 people nightly, funded by donations and on-site private security; staff and service partners continue to coordinate on sheltering and outreach.

Councilor Devin Ferreira updated the Haverhill City Council on an overnight warming center hosted by the Universalist Unitarian (UU) Church that has opened on nights when temperatures are forecast to drop below 25 degrees to provide a safe, warm space for people who are unhoused or under-housed.

Ferreira said the warming center operates from about 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. on qualifying nights and reported an average nightly attendance of 20 to 22 people. She said the space is set up as a “dining room format” rather than a shelter with cots and that volunteers staff three shifts each night so guests can “come and go as they please.” Ferreira noted the church is currently paying for a private security guard each night and that the initiative has received donations from local groups including the Rotary, Exchange Club and Pentucket Bank.

Mayor…

Volunteers, church and police coordinate warming center at UU Church as cold-weather gap-filler

Summary

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