With continued frigid temperatures in the forecast, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced Monday that the warming center at the Oneida County Office Building will be extended until further notice.
“With overnight low temperatures expected to dip to single digits and below zero throughout the week, the County Office Building will remain open as a warming shelter to shield residents in need from the extreme cold,” Picente said.
The Oneida County Office of Family and Community Services will continue to set the warming center up as a seating area on the first floor of the County Office Building from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Individuals utilizing the warming center have access to restrooms but no beds or bedding are provided.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide security. The Oneida County Office Building is located at 800 Park Ave. in Utica.
“Nearly 50 people utilized our lobby to escape the harsh weather conditions over the weekend, and we will continue to provide this respite until further notice,” Picente said.
DFCS is coordinating this effort with the Rescue Mission of Utica, which operates its own 24/7 Drop-in/Warming Center on behalf of the county located at 1013 W. St. in Utica, and Cornerstone Community Church, which operates its Morrow Warming Center located at 500 Plant St. in Utica from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
