Warming Centers & cold weather shelter

*UPDATED DECEMBER 2018*

SAFETY TIPS DURING COLD WEATHER

If possible, avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, or for extended periods of time in extreme cold weather.

  • Dress in layers
  • Wear a hat if possible, preferably one that covers your ears
  • Mittens provide more warmth than gloves
  • Wear waterproof, insulated boots to avoid hypothermia or frostbite
  • Stay hydrated
  • Get out of wet clothes as soon as possible
  • Drinking alcohol and staying outside in cold temperatures can be deadly. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol if you will be staying outside

Receive text messages about nearby daytime/overnight extreme weather shelter in Santa Clara County:

In the event of an emergency, Inclement Weather Episodes and shelter availability, or housing-related issues, the Office of Supportive Housing has arranged with the County Office of Emergency Services to be able to send text messages to the homeless, service providers and anyone else who would like to receive the messages. To be included in this messaging opportunity, text badweather to 888777. ​


Overnight Warming Locations - SAN JOSE

(Click link above for flyer with locations)

The City of San José will open four Overnight Warming Locations (OWL) during periods of extreme weather between December 2018 and April 2019. Call 408-510-7600 for information about days and times of operation.

OWL sites:

  • Bascom Community Center, 1000 South Bascom Avenue, San José, CA 95128
  • Leninger Community Center, 1300 Senter Road, San José, CA 95112
  • Alum Rock Library (family site), 3090 Alum Rock Avenue, San José, CA 95127
  • Roosevelt Community Center, 901 E Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95116


HomeFirst Cold Weather Shelter Program (CWSP) - NORTH AND SOUTH COUNTY

(Click link above for flyer with locations)

CWSP South County will operate from October 15th, 2018 through April 15th, 2019 and the North County CWSP will operate from November 26th, 2018 through March 31, 2019. *This season’s program will operate on a referral basis only and will guarantee guests a bed throughout the cold weather season*. Residents of Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy will be prioritized.


To reserve a space in the South County Gilroy Shelter:

Contact: Kenneth Rideout: 408-489-8781, KRideout@homefirstscc.org

Shelter Information:

Gilroy Armory

8490 Wren Ave Gilroy CA, 95020

Check-in begins at 6pm

By referral only, NO DROP IN


To reserve a space in North County Mountain View Shelter

Contact: Jodi Harmon: 408-590-8196, JHarmon@homefirstscc.org

Shelter Information:

Mountain View Shelter

748 Mercy Street Mountain View, CA 94041

Check-in begins at 5pm

By referral only, NO DROP IN

If you are homeless and are looking for support services, please call the HomeFirst Homeless Helpline at 408.510.7600.