Metro area counties offer warming centers during cold weekend

KSTP
[KSTP]

In preparation for the cold weather this weekend, some metro area counties offer people places to stay warm.

Warming shelters are now open throughout the Twin Cities, including several libraries, food centers and churches.

Multiple Anoka County libraries are allowing people to stay warm inside:

  • Centennial Library
  • Crooked Lake Library
  • North Central Library
  • Northtown Library
  • Johnsville Library
  • Mississippi Library
  • Rum River Library
  • St. Francis Library

The hours for each library varies. To find out the hours for each library, click here.

Hennepin County also has multiple areas for people escaping the cold. The county does ask people to call the warming shelters ahead of time if possible to assure they are open.

The list of Hennepin County’s warming shelters are:

  • Catholic Charities – Adult Opportunity Center (612-204-8300)
    • 740 E 17th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404
    • Open Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    • Breakfast is 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., lunch is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    • Metro Transit bus routes 2, 5, 9, 14
  • Hennepin County Government Center (612-348-3000)
    • 300 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55487
    • Open to the public from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding certain holidays
    • Space to sit and warm-up, but no services on site
    • Must socially distance and wear mask
    • Metro Transit bus routes 5, 14, 19, 22, 94, C Line
    • Light rail: Blue Line and Green Line – Government Plaza Station
  • House of Charity – Food Centre (612-594-2000)
    • 714 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
    • Open weekdays, noon to 4 p.m. when the wind chill is at 0 degrees or lower
    • Public meals from noon to 1 p.m. every weekday no matter the temperature
    • Bus routes 5, 14, 19, 94 (Express), C line
    • Light rail: Blue Line and Green Line – U.S. Bank Stadium Station (0.2 mile walk)
  • Minneapolis Central Library – Resource Center
    • 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • Open Mondays and Thursdays, 1 to 4 p.m.
    • Providing indoor heated space, WiFi and phone charging for a very limited number of people. One on one help from Hennepin County Human Services staff to sign up for county benefits and get connected with housing and crisis resources.
    • Bus routes 5, 9, 18, 22, 25, 61, 94, 755, Metro C Line
    • Light rail: Blue Line and Green Line – Nicollet Mall station .3 mile
  • Minneapolis City Hall (612-596-9512)
    • 350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis 55415
    • Open to the public from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding certain holidays
    • Must socially distance and wear a mask
    • Metro Transit bus routes 5, 14, 19, 22, 94, C Line
    • Light rail: Blue Line and Green Line – Government Plaza Station
  • The Bridge for Youth (ages 10-17 only) (612-230-6601)
    • 1111 W 22nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55405
    • Open when temperatures drop below -15 degrees
    • Overnight accommodations could be provided if appropriate
    • Bus routes 2, 6, 12, 17, 114, 115
  • Youthlink (ages 16-24 only) (612-252-1200)
    • 41 N 12th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
    • Open Monday–Friday, 24 hours a day, Saturday – Sunday 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.
    • Extended overnight drop-in and immediate need support available
    • Metro Transit bus routes 4, 6, 9, 12

For more information about Minneapolis’ shelters, click here.

Ramsey County offers warmer shelters listed below:

  • Catholic Charities Opportunity Center St. Paul
    • 422 Dorothy Day Place, St. Paul, MN 55102
  • Freedom House (651-917-3227)
    • 296 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102
    • Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Met Council HAT team will be out with other outreach agencies throughout the weekend late-night hours to connect people to available indoor spaces.

Washington County is also offering warming shelters for people listed below:

  • St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (651-762-9124)
    • 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
    • Youth and Sports Building (driveway located off East Ave)
  • Overnight Emergency Shelter ONLY
    • Open the following nights (Feb. 5 to Feb. 10): Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights
    • 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.: people will be given gas cards when they leave in the morning.
    • Services available: Dinner, showers and COVID safe spaces
  • Daytime Winter Warming Space
    • Open weekly (through Feb. 25): Monday-Thursday
    • Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
    • Services available: Lunch, showers and COVID safe spaces