With extremely cold temperatures predicted, the Warming Center of Strafford County will be in activation from January 31 to February 4, from 5pm-9am.

During the day, there are several options for people in need of warmth, including Rochester City Hall, Rochester Public Library, and SOS Recovery during regular business hours. In addition, the Rochester Police Department has designated a warming room that is open 24hrs.

Municipal Welfare Director Todd Marsh is encouraging people in need to take advantage of the several public resources available.

“As temperatures are expected to lower to extreme cold temperatures later this week, I urge people living unsheltered throughout Strafford County, including Rochester, to access lifesaving housing options throughout our region, including the Warming Center for Stafford County in Somersworth,” said Marsh.

During the week, COAST bus tickets to the Warming Center will be available at SOS Recovery locations in Rochester (14 Signal Street) and Dover (4 Broadway).

Please note, COAST does not operate after 3pm on Saturdays. Instead, SOS will run a shuttle from their Dover location as well as the Dover Transportation Center at 5pm and 6pm. In Rochester, SOS will pick up between 5:30 and 6:30pm at the COAST bus stop near the Rochester Public Library, on South Main Street.

To get text notifications for Warming Center Activations, please text ‘Willand’ to (855) 970-3280. For more information and general inquiries, contact the Rochester Municipal Welfare Department at (603) 332-3505.