Fresno warming centers open as Valley lows reach near-freezing

The City of Fresno opened three free warming centers at Ted C. Wills, Mosqueda, and Maxie L. Park as overnight lows approach 35°F; the centers will operate 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Friday.

Fresno opened three warming centers beginning Thursday and will keep them open through Friday as Valley nighttime lows approach 35°F. The centers are free and available to anyone seeking shelter from the cold. They are located at the Ted C. Wills, Mosqueda, and Maxie L. Park Community Centers. Poverello House staff are operating the sites and prepared blankets, cots and meals for overnight guests. Current details: - Locations: Ted C. Wills, Mosqueda, and Maxie L. Park Community Centers. - Hours: open 7 P.M. to 7 A.M. through Friday. - Access: free and open to anyone; pets are welcome. - Staffing: each site is staffed by Poverello House employees; Ted C. Wills had rows of cots accommodating about 100 people. - Safety concerns: Fresno Fire has reported an increase in warming fires and referenced a December tent fire that resulted in two deaths. Summary: The warming centers provide overnight shelter and basic supports during a brief cold spell, and they are staffed through Friday nights. Local providers note that opening centers does not remove ongoing demand for nonprofit services. The immediate plan is to operate the centers each night from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M. through Friday.