The Cambria-Somerset Preparedness and Resiliency Partnership is seeking organizations interested in opening their doors for “Operation Warm Welcome,” a Warming Centers collaborative.
“When temperatures plunge, every minute without a warm place to go puts lives at risk. We’re calling on community partners to step forward and help us create a safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Somerset County EMA Director Joel Landis. “Opening a warming center is a simple act with a profound impact. By offering a warm room and a caring presence, organizations can quite literally help save lives during the harshest nights of winter.”
A warming center is a short-term physical location that operates when temperatures become very cold, or a combination of precipitation, wind chill, wind, and temperature become dangerously inclement. Their paramount purpose is the prevention of death and injury from exposure to the elements.
The extreme cold can be deadly for those without shelter and warm space can offer safety, dignity, and hope.
“We are grateful to partner local health and human service organizations on this extremely important work in order to keep our residents healthy and safe,” said Center for Population Health Executive Director Jeannine McMillan. “We invite any agencies interested in joining or learning more about the Preparedness and Resiliency Partnership to reach out.”
The Partnership will provide guidance on shelter setup, safety protocols, and volunteer coordination support. It will also provide supplies like blankets, cots, and hygiene kits. Promotion of your location as part of a larger community warming network will be done.
As a warming center, you will need to provide a safe, heated space – even a small hall or room can be helpful – a willingness to host during extreme cold alerts, and a compassion and commitment to community care.
Warming center locations are needed throughout Cambria and Somerset counties from December of 2025 through March of 2026.
If you have questions or are interested in becoming a warming center, please email info@centerforpophealth.org or call 814-535-5156 ext. 4.