Vermont Business Magazine With extreme cold forecast this weekend, the State of Vermont, in partnership with community organizations across the state, is opening six shelters around Vermont. These shelters are part of the Department for Children and Families’ Extreme Cold Weather Shelter Program, administered through a partnership with Vermont Interfaith Action. Additionally, local communities and non-profit organizations may open additional shelters. Anyone who needs access to shelter should call 2-1-1 for up-to-date information about shelter locations and opening times.
These low-barrier shelters will provide a warm place to sleep and get out of the dangerous cold, as well as some limited amenities. Shelters will open Friday and Saturday nights and remain open beyond that depending on temperature and location.
Extreme Cold Weather Shelter Program Locations:
- Bennington County – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant Street, Bennington, 8pm – 8am
- Chittenden County – Miller Center, 130 Gosse Court, Burlington, 5pm – 8am
- Northeast Kingdom – NEKCA, 371 Main Street, Newport, 8pm – 8am
- Rutland County – City Library, 10 Court Street, Rutland, 6:30pm – 7:30am
- Washington County – Teen Center, 130 Main Street, Montpelier, 8pm – 8am
- Windham County – First Methodist Church, 18 Town Crier Drive, Brattleboro, 8pm – 8am
The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Vermont Interfaith Actions maintain a list of designated Extreme Cold Weather Shelter sites that may operate during qualifying weather events. This information is advertised locally and through Vermont 211, which community members can call for up-to-date information. People can contact Vermont 211 by dialing 211.
Additional community-operated shelters that are opening this weekend:
- Barre Congregational Church, 35 Church ST, Barre, 7pm-7am Friday thru Monday
- Springfield Community Center, 139 Main ST, Springfield, 6pm-7am (Sat and Sun)
- St. Johns Warming Shelter, 15 Summer ST, Randolph, 5:30pm-10am (Fri, Sat, Sun)
In addition to these locations, other shelters, including daytime warming spaces, may open temporarily at the community level. When DCF becomes aware of additional sites, we share that information with Vermont 211 so it can be communicated broadly. For questions about opening times and locations of local community shelters, contact the organizers or call 211. An updated list can also be found at the Vermont Emergency Management website at vem.vermont.gov/shelters.
When temperatures drop below zero Fahrenheit, spending any amount of time outdoors can be hazardous to your health. Frostbite can occur in a matter of minutes, and risks of hypothermia are increased. High winds can make cold temperatures feel even colder. For more information on how to stay safe (and warm) outside, visit healthvermont.gov/winter-weather.
About the Vermont Agency of Human Services
AHS’s mission is to improve the conditions and well-being of people in Vermont. The mission is a commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of Vermonters. It underscores our dedication to creating an environment where individuals not only survive but thrive.
For more information about AHS, please visit https://humanservices.vermont.gov.
1.23.2026. Waterbury, Vt. – AHS
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
