UPDATE: Emergency warming center open for three nights beginning March 1, 2024

Posted on February 29, 2024


View/Download the Press Release as a PDF

Sonoma, CA – February 29, 2024 — The City of Sonoma will open a temporary emergency warming center (Warming Center) Friday, March 1, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Haven parking lot in Sonoma. Based on freezing temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service, the center will remain open overnight through Monday, March 4th at 7:00 a.m.

The original plan for the Warming Center was to operate from Saturday, March 2nd, to Tuesday, March 5th. However, due to the latest forecast, the Warming Center will now be available from Friday, March 1st, to Monday, March 4th. The Warming Center will provide shelter for those experiencing homelessness and those without heat. Anyone wishing to use the Warming Center should arrive between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and will not be readmitted if they choose to leave the center before 7:00 a.m.

Emergency Warming Center details:

The Haven Parking Lot, located at 151 1st St W.  Sonoma, CA 95476
Open overnight for three nights from Saturday, March 1st at 7:00 p.m. – Monday, March 4nd at 7:00 a.m.

Individuals seeking an Extreme Weather Warming Center will be advised:

  • The Emergency Warming Center is a place to warm up and charge portable personal electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets, portable computers, etc.).
  • Cots for sleeping will be provided.
  • Light snacks and beverages may be provided.
  • Food brought by registrants that is ready to eat and does not require refrigeration is permissible; cooking, meal service and kitchen access is not available.
  • The City of Sonoma or its contractor(s) will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Individuals utilizing the Warming Center must be previously listed or otherwise added to the “by-name list” system used by Sonoma Valley homeless providers and the City of Sonoma.
  • Individuals utilizing the Warming Center must comply with the City’s Warming Center -Standards of Behavior (see website).
  • Well behaved pets may be permitted at the Extreme Weather Warming Center at the sole discretion of the City’s Warming Center Manager. Service animals are allowed. Additional pet restrictions or pet boarding requirements may apply and will be provided to registrants at the time of registration.

The warming center may extend its hours of operation if extreme weather conditions continue. Updated information will be posted to the City’s website, sonomacity.org/extreme-weather-warming-center/. For more details on additional available winter shelters visit: SoCoemergency.org/emergency.

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Media Contact:
Sarah Tracy, PIO
stracy@sonomacity.org
707-338-3759

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