Newport Fire Chief Harp Donnelly says four people came to the overnight warming center when it opened at the Maritime Center downtown on Thursday. Volunteers from the MLK Jr. Community Center and Newport County Mental Health helped staff the center.
Donnelly and other firefighters arrive at night to post signs to help people locate the center near the waterfront. The center is outfitted with metal chairs and tables. There are restrooms available but no showers or meals. Volunteers assess if the guests need more warm clothing and offer gloves, hats and socks.
“It’s very, very basic, not luxurious conditions here,” Donnelly said. “This is a place where the most at risk that would otherwise be sleeping outside can come in and stay out of the very harsh, severe weather that’s coming our way.”
But the center is a stopgap measure for an emergency situation and only a temporary solution for this weekend, Donnelly said. The Maritime Center is in a flood zone, and its availability is tied to the tides.
“It’s not sustainable because it’s a little bit costly. But for right now, we have this for this weekend,” Donnelly said. “We’ll try to treat the people as respectfully as possible and keep them safe and warm, out of harm’s way.”
Newport’s mayor says a group of nonprofit providers has applied to the state for funds to establish a permanent warming center throughout the rest of the season.
The temporary warming center at the Maritime Center at 365 Thames Street will be open overnight through Sunday morning:
Friday, Feb. 3, from 7 p.m. to noon Saturday;
Saturday, Feb. 4 from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday.
Additional warming center information can be found here.
For housing information:
Newport County Mental Health: (401) 846-1213
Newport Housing Hotline (401) 846-1213
Cheryl Hatch can be reached at chatch@thepublicsradio.org
