City Manager Blaine Cox is pleased to announce that the Rochester Police Department will be offering a small conference room to those in need of warmth when the Willand Drive Emergency Warming Center is not activated.

According to Cox, the room is a place for people to “warm up and get out of the cold”.

“As we enter the colder season, the room will be open for anyone in need of temporary shelter from the cold,” said Cox. “The room will open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. The Rochester Public Library and City Hall will also be available to people during regular business hours.”

Rochester Police Chief Gary Boudreau says that the room is located off the Main Lobby of the Police Department. It’s a temporary solution and not meant to be used for long-term stays.

“It’s a place to escape the cold,” said Boudreau. “Unfortunately, we are not equipped to be a shelter in the traditional sense. For that, we will offer the contact information to other nearby community resources.”

Cox reminds people in need to utilize the Willand Drive Emergency Warming Center, in Somersworth. The center will be in operation starting November 25th, 2022, and running through March 31, 2023. According to organizers, the center will be available when weather conditions warrant opening.

For additional information and general inquiries, contact Public Information Manager Matt Wyatt at (603) 330-7195 or matthew.wyatt@rochesternh.gov.