Resources for Extreme Cold Weather Conditions

A snow emergency has been declared for the evening of January 9, 2024, and will remain in effect until 7 AM, 01/11/24. Staying warm and safe can be a challenge in these types of conditions. We also understand that not all of Madison residents have secure and safe shelter during this winter storm. We have compiled a list of information and resources to help you protect yourself as well as to help protect those who may be experiencing homelessness. Please share with your networks in hopes that this information also reaches those experiencing homelessness without access to a phone or the internet. 

From the City of Madison: Please visit the Winter​ and the Extreme Cold Weather pages. This includes but is not limited to information on addressing accessibility issues due to snow, recognizing the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, resources for homeless residents, and more.

From the Homeless Services Consortium of Dane County’s announcement: On days designated Extreme Weather Days, Safe Haven Drop-In Shelter will temporarily waive guest suspensions, allowing all guests, including those under suspension, to access Safe Haven's day services. For more information on Safe Haven please call: (608) 241-9447 ext. 10

Additional Homeless Services:

Shelter for Men: Porchlight Men’s Shelter

• 2002 Zeier Road (previously SAVERS building, by East Towne Mall)
• Intake daily 5pm to 8:30pm  – walk-in welcome, no need to call
• Open overnight, 5pm to 8am 
• Free bus transportation available to and from the Beacon Day Resource Center
• Extreme Weather Nights (e.g. temperature 20 or below): All guests, including those under suspension, may access the shelter, unless they have been informed otherwise 
• Guests with vehicles can park in the shelter parking lot while using the shelter.
• Questions? Call (608) 416-1446

Shelter for Women: Salvation Army Women’s Shelter

• 630 East Washington Avenue
• Intake daily 5pm to 8:30pm – walk-in welcome, no need to call
• Open overnight, 5pm to 7:30am
• Extreme Weather Nights (e.g. temperature 20 or below): All guests may access shelter other than those suspended for violence
• Guests with vehicles can park in the shelter parking lot while using the shelter.
• Questions? Call (608) 250-2226

Shelter for Families with Children: Salvation Army Family Shelter

• Families in need of shelter should call the family shelter intake line, leaving name, family size and contact info. 
• Typically has a waitlist used by Salvation Army and YWCA Family shelter 
• Family shelter intake line: (608) 250-2298

Day Shelter: Beacon Day Resource Center

• 615 East Washington Avenue
• Open 7 days a week from 8am to 5pm
• Questions? Call (608) 826-8040

Day Shelter: Bethel Lutheran Church (Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY)

• 312 Wisconsin Avenue
• Open Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY

Day Shelter: Porchlight Safe Haven 

• 4006 Nakoosa Trail
• Open 7 days a week except holidays, 8:30am-6pm
• For adults with mental health challenges only
• Questions? Call (608) 241-9447 ext. 10

Weather Respite Hotel Program

• Activated during cold weather nights and extreme weather events for individuals and families unable to access shelters 
• Accepts referrals from Salvation Army family shelter waitlist, school districts, and street outreach program through case conferencing
• Does not accept self-report referrals or referrals from the public due to limited availability

**Monday, January 8 -Sunday, January 14th are Extreme Weather Nights for Porchlight Men's Shelter and The Salvation Army Women's Shelter.  Similar to Safe Haven, this means that these shelters will also temporarily waive guest suspensions, allowing all guests, including those under suspension, to access shelter services.
(Updated 1/8/24)**

For immediate updates on the current day's designation as an "Extreme Weather Night" or "Cold Weather Night" please call United Way 2-1-1 or search their online database. 2-1-1 is free, confidential, and available any day, any time. 

From the City of Madison Fire Department: While response times may be impacted by road conditions, the Madison Fire Department is fully staffed and available to respond to 911 fire, EMS, and CARES calls.

Please also consider the following:

• Be sure to shovel around your fire hydrants so there is a path three feet wide available on all sides for firefighters.
• Keep your exterior furnace vents clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
• Take care of yourself when shoveling. Do not over-exert yourself. Take plenty of breaks, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.