Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services joined local nonprofit agencies to report results from the 2025-26 winter contingency emergency shelter efforts, which provided 4,055 safe shelter nights for people with no housing.
The shelter provided temporary emergency housing, showers and meals for a total of 248 unique individuals.
In all, 183 women, 18 men and 47 children found safety and shelter at The Salvation Army during the winter months.
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 is being offered at The Salvation Army, The Rescue Mission, St. Joseph Missions Women's Shelter and Just Neighbors.
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
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 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.
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
Locations will be open throughout the 2025-2026 winter season. Please continue to check back as additional location will be added.
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:
Location: 930 Broadway Street
Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 11:30 am
Monday evenings from 4:30 pm - 6:40 pm
Location: 900 Library Plaza
Monday - Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday and Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm
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 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:
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
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 260-427-8311 |
|---|---|
| In writing | Citizens Square, 200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne IN 46802 |
