Where to stay warm in Milwaukee amid the extreme cold weather warning

By: Ellie Nakamoto-White Facebook | X

Posted: Jan 20, 2025 4:00 PM CST

NOW: Where to stay warm in Milwaukee amid the extreme cold weather warning

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With our entire area under an extreme cold weather warning until about noon on Tuesday, many resource centers in Milwaukee are opening their doors to people who may not be able to get inside safely somewhere else.

On Monday. CBS 58 crews visited multiple warming shelters which were packed with dozens, sometimes hundreds, of people bundled up warm inside eating hot food and watching movies to pass the time.

“People come to us not even prepared for the weather. To be out in this weather without gloves is crazy," said Pastor James West, the executive director for Repairers of the Breach. “Wisconsin weather, period, can be dangerous. The difference is the amount of time that you can survive out there, and right now, it’s not long at all.”

In these below freezing temps, you can be exposed to hypothermia or even frostbite, which can set in on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less.

And just right down the road from the organization, the Milwaukee Department of Health and Human Services worked to open an emergency shelter in the Marcia P. Coggs building on Vliet Street.

“We’ve got about 90-95 people here right now," said Nick Tomaro with DHHS. “This was opened up specifically because of the weather emergency.”

The DHHS partnered with the Milwaukee County Transit System and the Milwaukee Fire Department to provide around-the-clock transportation to bring people inside through the day and night.

“I think tomorrow will also be critical, but today, maybe even a little bit more critical to have this space," Tomaro said.

The Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness also operates other warming shelters across the city from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m.

Guest House of Milwaukee, at 1216 N. 13th St.
Milwaukee Rescue Mission Joy House, at 830 N. 19th St.
Milwaukee Rescue Mission Safe Harbor, at 830 N. 19th St.
Repairers of the Breach, at 1335 W. Vliet St.
St. Benedict the Moor Parish, at 930 W. State St.
Unity Lutheran Church, at 1025 E. Oklahoma Ave.