Fort Wayne's Winter Contingency Plan

A Winter Contingency Emergency Shelter for single women and families with children will be available at The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St. beginning December 1. This shelter is designed to provide temporary emergency housing, showers and meals during the winter months to ensure families have a safe and warm place to stay. For the first time, this Winter Contingency Emergency Shelter will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The additional hours are thanks to a partnership with Blue Jacket, which will provide staffing for the Winter Contingency Emergency Shelter at The Salvation Army. The Rescue Mission is helping pay and train the Blue Jacket employees.

Expanded overnight shelter services are available each night throughout the winter season at The Rescue Mission, St. Joseph Missions Women’s Shelter, and Just Neighbors.

In addition, multiple Warming Stations across Fort Wayne will be open to provide safe, heated spaces for individuals seeking relief from the cold.

The Winter Contingency Plan’s expanded overnight shelter services will operate from December 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, with Warming Stations opening earlier as weather conditions require.

Overnight Shelter

Overnight shelter is being offered at The Salvation Army, The Rescue Mission, St. Joseph Missions Women's Shelter and Just Neighbors.

  • The Salvation Army

    A 24/7 Winter Contingency Emergency Shelter for single women and families with children will open at The Salvation Army on December 1. The shelter will offer temporary emergency housing, showers, and meals throughout the winter months to ensure families have a safe and warm place to stay.

    Intake will take place daily from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Individuals who stay overnight are eligible to participate in daytime services the following day.

    Address: 2901 N. Clinton Street

    On Citlink Bus Route #8

  • The Rescue Mission

    In addition to their traditional overnight services and programming The Rescue Mission is offering emergency weather bed nights to men and women who need overnight shelter during the coldest months of the year. Individuals must be 18 years of age to receive an emergency weather bed night. Individuals should be sober when they arrive and should not have any active warrants.


    Address: 404 E. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne IN 46802

  • St. Joseph Missions Women's Shelter

    St. Joseph Missions is expanding their capacity during the winter season for single unaccompanied women who need shelter. Women seeking shelter should call St. Joseph Missions first to discuss next steps.

    Address: 3505 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne IN 46805

    Phone: (260) 426-7358

    Once full, women will be directed to check in at The Rescue Mission or the Winter Contingency Shelter once opened.

  • Just Neighbors
    Just Neighbors provides overnight shelter for families experiencing homelessness or crisis. Families in need of overnight shelter should contact Just Neighbors at 260-458-9772.


    Address: 2925 East State Boulevard, Fort Wayne IN 46805

    Phone: 260-458-9772

Warming Centers

Locations will be open throughout the 2025-2026 winter season. Please continue to check back as additional location will be added.

  • The Rescue Mission Day Shelter

    The Rescue Mission’s day shelter is open 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Open regardless of temperature. Adults can access overnight shelter here as well.

    Location: 404 E Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne

    Also, 3 meals are served each day for anyone in the community who is hungry:

    • Breakfast at 7:00 AM
    • Lunch at 12:00 noon
    • Dinner at 5:00 PM

  • Project.ME Warming Center

    Location: 2305 Broadway

    Monday-Friday 9:00am- 5:00pm

    Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    On Citilink Bus Route #1

    Site open for adults only due to the nature of services provided

  • Citilink Buses as Mobile Warming Centers

    Citilink buses will serve as mobile warming centers to help our community stay warm. Riders are required to have a valid pass to get on the bus.

    Hours of Operation:

    • Monday through Friday: 5:40 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
    • Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

  • The Salvation Army Warming Center

    The Salvation Army Warming Station is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

    Location: 2901 N. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne

    On Citilink Bus Route #8