(INDIANA) - As cold temperatures and winter storms grip Indiana, state officials are urging residents to use Indiana 211 to find nearby warming centers offering safe, heated shelter during severe weather.
Warming centers open across the state each winter to provide temporary relief for people who may not have adequate heat or housing. Indiana 211 serves as a centralized, up-to-date resource for locating those centers, including information on locations and hours of operation.
Residents can connect with Indiana 211 in several ways:
- By phone: Call 2-1-1 or 1-866-211-9966 to speak directly with a Community Navigator. Phone assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- By text: Text your ZIP code to 898-211 to receive a list of nearby warming centers. Text service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Online: Search the Indiana 211 database at IN211.org to find warming centers and other local resources.
Indiana 211 officials emphasize that the service is designed to be quick and easy to use, especially during emergencies when access to warmth can be critical.
Community organizations or local officials who are operating warming centers can also help keep information current. New or updated warming center listings can be submitted by contacting Indiana 211's resource team at in211database@fssa.in.gov.
With winter weather expected to continue, officials encourage residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, share information about warming centers, and reach out to Indiana 211 if they or someone they know needs help staying safe and warm.