For anyone who is in need of a place to keep warm, there are unfortunately very few shelters in the area that have been posted as being available other than during business hours on the weekend.
In an urgent situation, 24/7:
– 211 is an information and referral phone number
– City of Whitewater Police: (262) 473-0555 option 4 or 312 W. Whitewater St.
– Walworth County Health & Human Services: 262-741-3200
– Jefferson County Health & Human Services: 920-674-3105
Walworth County provides a list of libraries that can serve as shelters. None of them are open on Sundays. Whitewater’s Public Library, 431 W. Center Street, is open Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Andersen Library, 750 W. Main Street, is open the following hours during school sessions and is open to the public. Note that there is a charge for parking on campus except for starting at 5 PM on Friday and extending through 11 PM on Sunday. City street parking, however, is available at no cost across Main Street.
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 am – 12:00 am
Friday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Daily Jefferson County Union has published a list of warming centers in Jefferson County. The only location that is indicated to be open on Sunday is the Watertown Public Library, 100 S. Water St., Sunday 12 – 4 p.m.
Rock County has the most extensive list of warming sites, with the following introduction:
When forecasted temperatures, real temperatures, or wind chills drop below zero degrees in Rock County, WI, these locations shall automatically authorize use as a warming site during their normal business hours only. These daytime site locations will not extend or alter their hours so citizens should plan accordingly. Warming sites may close without notification and are not obligated to participate. Citizens are responsible for their own belongings. Food and water are not provided. Overnight warming sites will only open during a county emergency activation.
Warming sites are activated overnight when temperatures drop below 0 degrees. Overnight warming sites will be open Thursday night, January 22nd through Tuesday morning, January 27th. New safety notice: Zero tolerance for drug, alcohol, intimidation, or weapons. Violators will be removed immediately and Law Enforcement contacted.
Uptown Janesville (formerly the Janesville Mall) is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The Milton Public Library, 430 High Street, is open Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by S K from Pixabay.
