Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

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It’s cold outside, and it’s only going to get colder this winter. For those living unhoused, cold weather can bring uncertainty of how to keep warm during frigid weather.  

A large fire engulfed a homeless encampment 

 in Minneapolis, leaving many displaced. The fire also spread to a nearby home. 

John Tribbett works with Avivo, an organization with services that expand to helping unhoused people. Avivo has stepped in to help Involve MN, another organization that helps unhoused people, in assisting those who were displaced by the fire.  

“These are human beings, and like any of us, they have the same wants and needs,” Tribbett said. “They’re all a part of the same community of human beings, and we really need to look out for one another.” 

Avivo and Involve MN are working to help those affected get to warming spaces and shelter. And if needed, open Involve MN for overnight shelter. 

Warming spaces open Wednesday across the Twin Cities with the expected forecast of below zero temperatures. 

Ramsey County will open warming spaces that will be available from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. to anyone in need of a warm place overnight. Those spaces will offer seating, blankets, light snacks and warm beverages. When available, winter warming supplies, such as hats and mittens, will be provided for anyone stopping by. 

“It's a tool for people to come in and get out of the cold, avoid frostbite and be able to warm up,” said Kim Cleminson, Ramsey County’s Housing Stability Deputy Director.  

These spaces will be available every night through March 31: 

Ramsey County will also open another warming shelter on Dec. 15 for families and youth available every night through March: 

Cleminson says free rides to warming spaces will be provided. Pick-up spots include Union Gospel Mission, St. Paul Opportunity Center, Dorothy Day Center and the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center. Rides will also be provided for those that are seen enroute to warming spaces. 

After the weekend, Cleminson says more pick-up locations will be added.  

The above gendered places are also inclusive of transgender and nonbinary people.

 over a dozen warming locations, including those for youth, with hours, services, and addresses. The county encourages people to call locations to confirm hours and services.  

The Salvation Army will add 40 “arctic overflow” beds at the 

 emergency shelter Wednesday night and for the next few nights as temperatures are expected to reach below zero. Overflow beds at the shelter will be available every night starting Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, 2025.  

Those in need are encouraged to contact the shelter for availability. 

In addition to overflow beds, Salvation Army locations will also serve as daytime warming spaces during regular business hours when wind chills are expected to fall near or below zero through at least Thursday.  

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Chandra Colvin

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As temperatures dip below zero this week, warming spaces for those living unhoused will open in Ramsey and Hennepin County with daytime and overnight options. 

Law Enforcement Center lobby as warm space

As temperatures lower, warming spaces open for those in need in the Twin Cities

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