Warming Centers & Shelters
Providence Emergency Management Agency
Warming Centers
Exposure to extreme temperatures can be life-threatening. We want all residents to stay safe during the winter months.
During extreme cold temperatures, PEMA requests that warming centers open to provide community members with access to warm spaces throughout the City. See the map below to find the location nearest you.
What is a warming center?
Warming centers provide temporary relief from extreme cold temperatures in public spaces where community members already gather.
What to expect:
- Warming centers area safe and secure places for individuals or families to stay warm. They are located in heated buildings that are open to the public and often have pre-existing programming.
- Warming centers serve as a place for the community to gather.
What not to expect:
- A warming center is not a permanent shelter. There are no housing, medical, or behavioral health services.
- A warming center cannot accommodate pets. Only registered service animals are allowed.
- A warming center does not provide food. PEMA equips the centers with bottled water, but there is no guarantee or requirement for water distribution.
Warming Center Locations
Warming Centers
Community Libraries
Fox Point Library
90 Ives Street
401-331-0390
Monday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Mt. Pleasant Library
315 Academy Avenue
401-272-0106
Monday: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
Olneyville Library
1 Olneyville Square
401-421-4084
Monday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Providence Public Library
150 Empire Street
401-455-8000
Monday: 08:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 08:30 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 08:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 08:30 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Rochambeau Library
708 Hope Street
401-272-3780
Monday: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
Smith Hill Library
31 Candace Street
401-272-4140
Monday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
South Providence Library
441 Prairie Avenue
401-467-2619
Monday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Wanskuck Library
233 Veazie Street
401-274-4145
Monday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Washington Park Library
1316 Broad Street
401-781-3136
Monday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Other Warming Centers
Crossroads Rhode Island
160 Broad Street
Open 24/7 during high heat conditions
Get Directions
Emmanuel House
239 Public Street
Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Get Directions
Federal Hill House
9 Courtland Street
Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Get Directions
Providence Rescue Mission
627 Cranston Street
Open 24/7 during high heat conditions
Get Directions
Pool Locations
Waterpark LocationsCold Weather Safety Tips
Remember to take steps to prepare for cold weather! Take caution and check on your neighbors, older adults, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.
Want to request a PEMA Winter Weather Preparedness presentation and receive some winter preparedness items? Email preparedness@providenceri.gov.
Dress for the weather:
- Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
- Water-resistant coat and boots
- Scarf that covers face and mouth + gloves or mittens
Prepare your home:
- Keep your thermostat no lower than 65°F to prevent freezing pipes
- Weather-proof your windows and doors
- Store food, water, and supplies to prepare for power outages
- Test smoke and CO detectors and have your chimney inspected
- Never use stoves or ovens for heating
Prepare your car:
- Stay off roads during snowstorms if possible
- Clear your exhaust pipe of snow and ice
- Make an emergency kit for your car! Include blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, water, and snacks
- Do not let your gas tank get below half full to avoid icing
- Check your tire pressure, antifreeze levels, and replace windshield-wiper fluid with wintertime mixture
Prepare for Cold Weather
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