For Immediate Release: 11/30/2023 12:58 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Thursday the opening of an emergency winter shelter for single adults experiencing homelessness at the former Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Service Center located at 611 Main St. in Worcester.
The emergency shelter is expected to open the week of Dec. 11. South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) will staff and operate the 60-bed shelter, which will be open 24/7 through the end of April.
The shelter will be staffed 24/7, and will provide showers, meals, support services, and a security detail.
“The opening of this emergency winter shelter is the culmination of our community, along with the state, coming together to figure out a solution to make sure no one is left outside in the cold during the winter months,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “I can’t thank the state and our community partners enough for their hard work and perseverance to secure a location that is centrally located, close to services, and accommodating of needs.”
“As a longtime community partner of the City of Worcester, SMOC is committed to helping individuals in need by providing warmth and shelter during the coldest months of the year,” said SMOC President Susan Gentili. “In addition, our priority is to connect these individuals with the support services they need to attain stable housing. We are pleased to be a part of this important community effort.”
Worcester’s Homeless Outreach Team and Quality of Life Team are connecting with members in the unhoused community to inform them of this opportunity to shelter during the upcoming winter months, while prioritizing those with the greatest needs.
The City is grateful for the continued support of the following community partners : Commonwealth of Massachusetts, South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Central Mass. Housing Alliance, Eliot Community Human Services, and Open Sky Community Services.
