February 22, 2026 6:09 PM

Warming and Sheltering Resources for BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SUNDAY TO 7 AM EST TUESDAY.

Aquidneck Island’s Primary Shelter:

1. J.H. Gaudet Middle School Middle school, 1113 Aquidneck Ave, will open its doors as a 24-hour shelter commencing Sunday, February 22nd at 4:00 pm. Shelter is located in the school’s gym at its entrance off of Turner Road, near the Tennis Courts.

Shelter Guidance:
When going to an emergency shelter, bring essential, compact items for a 24-48 hour stay, including prescription medications, important documents (IDs, insurance), bedding (sleeping bags, pillows), toiletries, flashlights, chargers, and extra clothing. Do not bring weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, or large, bulky personal items.

What to Bring:
• Essential Documents: Driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate, insurance policies, medical records, and bank documents in a waterproof bag.
• Medication & Health: At least a 2-week supply of prescription medication in original bottles, plus first-aid kits and eyeglasses.
• Comfort & Bedding: Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, and potentially a cot or air mattress.
• Clothing: A few changes of clothes, including sturdy shoes, a jacket, and comfortable items.
• Electronics: Cell phone with charger, radio, and flashlight with extra batteries.
• Hygiene: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, towels, and sanitary items.
• Food/Water: Non-perishable food, snacks, and water if possible.
• Infant/Special Needs: Formula, diapers, bottles, and specialized food.
• For Pets: Leashes, crates, pet food, and vaccination records (if the shelter is pet-friendly). The Middletown shelter is NOT pet friendly. See sheltering for pets below.
What NOT to Bring
• Weapons: Guns, knives, or any items considered weapons.
• Illegal Items: Alcohol, illegal drugs, or contraband.
• Hazards: Smoking materials, matches, or lighters.
• Bulky Items: Furniture or large, non-essential personal belongings.
• Electronics: Loud radios or televisions.
Tips for Shelter Entry
• Pack in one or two easy-to-carry bags.
• Ensure all items fit within a limited space, as space is shared.
• Keep your phone on you, but be cautious with it in crowded environments.
• Bring cards/games to help pass time, as it may be noisy or crowded.
Portsmouth Area Warming Centers:

1. Newport Mental Health Overnight Warming Center
• Address: 1 Eisenhower Street, Newport, RI
• Hours of operation: 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. (24 hours for this weekend’s storm)
• Population served: All
1. Portsmouth Free Public Library: 2658 East Main Rd.
• Mon - Wed: 9 AM – 8 PM
• Thu - Fri: 9 AM - 6 PM
• Sat: 9AM - 5 PM
• Sun: 1 PM - 5 PM
• Phone: 401-683-9457
For warming needs outside of the above warming Center’s hours, contact the Portsmouth Police Department at (401) 683-0300.
2. Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department (PIVFD):
292 Narragansett Road, Prudence Island. The PIVFD Warming Center is open during periods of power outages on the Island.
3. Pets - Pets needing sheltering may be taken to the Potter League for Animals, located at 87 Oliphant Ln, Middletown, RI. The Potter League closes at 5:00 PM daily. If emergency pet sheltering is needed call (401) 846-8276 during and after normal work hours.

Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing Highlighted Resources:
Below, are a list of emergency pop-up sites, overnight warming centers, seasonal emergency shelters, and daytime resource and warming centers that are operating and ready to provide support this weekend. A comprehensive list, inclusive of state funded year-round shelters, can be found here: https://housing.ri.gov/resources/individuals-experiencing-homelessness
EMERGENCY WINTER POP-UP SITES
Emergency pop-up sites are temporary locations that open as needed during periods of severe or inclement weather. These sites open at the discretion of their operators, do not follow a fixed schedule, and may have varying accommodations.
Council of Churches Emergency Pop-up Sites
Note: To access a site below, individuals should first go to Matthewson Street Church.
• Addresses:
• Matthewson Street Church, 134 Matthewson Street, Providence, RI
• Community Church of Providence, 372 Wayland Avenue, Providence, RI
• Open Table of Christ, 1520 Broad Street, Providence, RI
• Hours of operation: Open nightly 2/22, 2/23, and 2/24
7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
• Population served: All

Town of West Warwick Emergency Pop-up Site
Note: To access the site below, individuals should go directly to the address listed.
• Address: West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory Street, West Warwick, RI
• Hours of operation: Open 2/22 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• Population served: All
OVERNIGHT WARMING CENTERS:
Overnight warming centers provide safe, temporary indoor spaces for individuals seeking relief from cold weather and access to services. Hours of operation vary by location, and projects may offer various accommodations to help people stay warm overnight. To access an overnight warming center, individuals should go directly to the address listed.
Crossroads Overnight Warming Center
• Address: 160 Broad Street Providence, RI
• Hours of operation: 24 hours
• Population served: All
SEASONAL EMERGENCY SHELTERS:
Seasonal emergency shelters provide safe overnight accommodations for individuals experiencing homelessness during the coldest months. These shelters offer protection from inclement weather and may also provide additional services, including case management, behavioral health support, substance use disorder treatment, meals, and housing navigation. To access a seasonal emergency shelter, individuals should go directly to the address listed or to a regional access point.
Community Care Alliance Seasonal Shelter
• Address: 356 Clinton Street, Woonsocket, RI
• Hours of operation: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
• Population served: All
Harvest Sanctuary Men’s Seasonal Shelter
• Address: 60 North Main Street, Woonsocket, RI
• Hours of operation: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
• Population served: Men
OpenDoors Family Seasonal Shelter
• Address: 572 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI
• Hours of operation: 24 hours
• Population served: Women & children
WARM Center Seasonal Shelter
• Address: 56 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI & 8 North Road, Peace Dale, RI
• Hours of operation: 24 hours
• Population served: All
DAYTIME RESOURCE & WARMING CENTERS:
Daytime resource and warming centers are sites that open daily to provide individuals with safe, staffed areas where they can stay warm, access basic needs, and connect with essential supports and services. To access a daytime resource & warming center, individuals should go directly to the address listed.
Community Care Alliance Warming Center
• Address: 245 Main Street, Woonsocket, RI
• Hours of operation: M-F 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Weekends & Holidays 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Population served: All
Youth Pride, Inc. Warming Center
• Address: 743 Westminster Street, Providence, RI
• Hours of operation: M-F 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Population served: Young adults ages 18-24
More Resources: A comprehensive list, inclusive of state funded year-round shelters, can be found here: https://housing.ri.gov/resources/individuals-experiencing-homelessness
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