Cold weather shelter program returns to Westmoreland County

Three Westmoreland County nonprofits have teamed up again to provide a place for those who need to come in from the cold.

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Welcome Home Shelter in Greensburg and Union Mission in Latrobe will provide cold weather shelters from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on nights when the temperature drops below 25 degrees.

The shelters will provide lodging for those who are homeless or without heat.

Transportation, food and service referrals may be provided based on people’s needs.

Those who need the shelters can call 211 to learn more.

“The community has a lot to worry about right now – finding a warm place to sleep shouldn’t be one of them,” said Jesse Sprajcar, Westmoreland County community impact director for United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Covid-19 safety precautions are in effect. All using the shelters will be asked to take their temperature, wear a mask and complete a health questionnaire.

A quarantined area will be available for those who have a positive coronavirus test.

This is the sixth winter for the Westmoreland County cold weather shelter program. Last year, 71 individuals and families stayed in the shelters for a combined 262 nights.

“These cold weather shelters are safe spaces that are welcoming to anyone in the community who needs a warm place to spend one night or several nights,” said United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania region director Alyssa Cholodofsky. “The shelters provide critical resources and the boost individuals and families need to bounce back to a stable environment.”