Area warming centers activated across Virginia amid dangerous winter temperatures

Virginia – As Virginia braces for severe winter weather and dangerously low temperatures, warming centers across the region have been activated to provide shelter, warmth, and essential support for residents in need. With snowfall and freezing conditions threatening community safety, local governments and nonprofits are stepping in to ensure no one is left out in the cold.

Officials are urging the public to dial 2-1-1, text CONNECT to 247211, or visit 211 Virginia for the most up-to-date alerts on emergency shelter options, warming center hours, and available services.

In Roanoke, several options are available for residents seeking shelter. The Rescue Mission remains open 24 hours during the inclement weather. The Least of These Ministry operates a warming bus at 422 Luck Avenue SW from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. when temperatures drop below 40°F. Morning relief is available at The Hope Center from 5 a.m. until noon, while the RAM House, located at 824 Campbell Avenue SW, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for day shelter. In addition, Roanoke County Libraries will remain open during regular hours to serve as a warm space and provide outlets to charge devices.

Danville residents have access to the TRCC Warming Center at 625 Shelton Street, which remains open around the clock. The Redemption Center Church, at the same address, offers shelter from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.

In Pittsylvania County, fire departments across Brosville, Chatham, Cool Branch, Gretna, Laurel Grove, Renan, and Tunstall will function as warming centers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. These centers offer charging stations, though pets are not allowed.

Martinsville and Henry County residents can find relief at the MHC Warming Center at 603 Memorial Blvd S, which operates from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. Daytime shelter is available at Sheltering Arms (5185 Callaway Rd, Rocky Mount) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Franklin County residents needing overnight refuge can go to Redwood United Methodist Church (3001 Franklin Turnpike), while those in Pulaski have access to both the Central Gym at 143 3rd Street NW, which is open 24/7 during severe cold, and The Warming Place on North Washington Avenue.

In Grayson and Galax County, Elisha’s House at 222 Carroll Street in Galax offers a local warming option. Bedford residents can go to the SJC Warming Shelter on Center Street, which opens nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

For those in Southwest Virginia, Smyth County is operating a 24-hour warming shelter at Antioch Greater Love Ministries in Marion. Scott, Washington, and Carroll Counties are directing residents to their respective emergency management offices for support and sheltering resources.

Wythe County residents can turn to Open Door Community in Wytheville for emergency overnight shelter between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Additional help is available in the New River Valley, where shelters like the City of Refuge and New River Community Action’s To Our House program are offering temporary shelter, meals, and supportive services for homeless men and women during this extreme cold spell.

With temperatures set to drop into dangerous territory, Virginia’s emergency response is focused on ensuring community safety and preventing cold-related injuries and deaths. Residents are urged to check in on elderly neighbors, avoid unnecessary travel, and share warming center information with those who may need shelter.