Middletown urges people to ‘get out of the elements’

2 sites to provide shelter from freezing temps

State funding allowed Middletown to contract with the Wesley Inn & Suites on Washington Street to provide room for people experiencing homelessness.

MIDDLETOWN — With temps over the next few days forecast to be in the single digits considering the wind chill, the city is offering two locations for people to warm up — but there are fewer options during the pandemic, the mayor said.

Temperatures are expected to be frigid at least through Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.

COVID-19 has reduced the number of locations where people can seek shelter, such as the public library, which is closed and only providing curbside pickup of items, Mayor Ben Florsheim said. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, patrons could stay there for a few hours to read a book or peruse the shelves.

State funding allowed the city to contract with the Wesley Inn & Suites at 988 Washington St., which is providing rooms for shortand long-term stays for people experiencing homelessness through the spring. Items are delivered there by the St. Vincent dePaul Middletown Amazing Grace food pantry and soup kitchen.

“Our best and first line of defense is overnight at the (hotel), which we do in partnership with Columbus House,” Florsheim said.

“I’m sure it will be full for the next couple days as it often is, but it is the best option for people who are going to be at risk of exposure. It’s a night-by-night thing,” he said.

The organization’s goal is to assist people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless by providing shelter and housing, according the shelter.

In past years, warming centers have been hosted by Main Street churches, such

as Church of the Holy Trinity, South Congregational Church and First Baptist Church.

The foyer at the Middletown Police Department, 222 Main St., is open 24 hours a day for shelter from the cold, Middletown fire chief and Emergency

Management Director Robert Kronenberger said.

People cannot sleep in the lobby overnight, but it provides a place for people to “get out of the elements,” the mayor said.

City personnel also are directing people to call 211 for immediate help in finding shelter. Staff there have access to statewide resources, which include various area shelters, Florsheim said.

COVID has been a challenge all year in terms of finding public spaces for people to visit, even in the nice weather, the mayor said.

“We’re not going to reach everybody out there, but we’re trying to make sure we cover the bases as best as we can in partnership with other providers,” Florsheim said.