KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As most of area prepares for sub-zero temperatures overnight and windchills as low as -20, warming shelters and centers across the Kalamazoo area are gearing up for more visitors.
City of Kalamazoo officials says shelters accommodate overnight stays and centers accommodate daytime use. Residents are encouraged to take refuge indoors during periods of extreme cold, snow, or freezing rain.
The following list includes details on the most updated options for warming shelters and centers in the Kalamazoo area.
Warming Shelter – Ministry with Community, 500 N Edwards St, Kalamazoo
Open now through the end of March, 2026.
*Adults only. No pets. Please contact Housing Resource Inc. at (269)382-0287 x1 during normal
business hours in order to register for stays.
Warming Shelter – Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, 448 N Burdick St, Kalamazoo
Open now.
*Adults and children with parents’ welcome. Valid state or Kalamazoo County identification
proving Kalamazoo metropolitan area residency is temporarily lifted due to weather conditions.
Residency / ID requirement will be back in effect on 02/01/26. Call (269)345-2974 for more
information.
Warming Center – Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, 448 N Burdick St, Kalamazoo
Open all days when temperatures are below freezing, 9 AM – 4 PM when guests can transition
straight to dinner.
*No identification nor residency requirement for KGM “warming center” utilization.
Warming Center – Kalamazoo Public Library Central Library, 315 S Rose St, Kalamazoo,
Open 9 AM – 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 5 PM on
Saturdays, 1 PM – 5 PM on Sundays.
Warming Center – Kalamazoo Public Library Washington Square Branch, 1244 Portage St, Kalamazoo
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on
Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Warming Center – Kalamazoo Public Library Eastwood Branch, 1112 Gayle Ave, Kalamazoo,
Open 1 PM – 8 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on
Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Warming Center – Kalamazoo Public Library Alma Powell Branch, 308 W North St, Kalamazoo,
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Tuesdays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM
– 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Warming Center – Kalamazoo Public Library Oshtemo Branch, 7265 W Main St, Kalamazoo,
Open 10 AM – 8 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10
AM – 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Warming Center – Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1515 Helen Ave, Portage
Open now through March 31, 2026, 10 AM – 2 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.
*They have vans that will pick up from Ministry with Community at 10 AM and Airport Inn at 11
AM. They will drop back off at 2 PM. Lunches are provided. Service dogs are allowed, but no
other pets.
Warming Center – Portage District Library, 300 Library Ln, Portage
Open 9 AM – 9 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays,
1 PM – 5 PM on Sundays
Warming Center – Portage Zhang Senior Center, 203 E Centre Ave, Portage
Open 8 AM – 5 PM Mondays and Fridays, 7 AM – 7:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and
Thursdays, 2 PM – 5 PM on Sundays.
*Service dogs are allowed, but no other pets.
Warming Center – Salvation Army Kalamazoo, 1700 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo
Open 9 AM – 3 PM Monday through Friday.
*Light snacks and water will be provided. Service dogs are allowed, but no other pets.
Warming Center – Kalamazoo County Democratic Party, 3234 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo
Open 10 AM – 6 PM on 01/23/26 and 01/24/26
*Center will serve coffee, snacks, and sandwiches. It will have hats, gloves, and hand warmers for
guests. If one wants to volunteer, they kindly ask you call (269)348-8212 prior to arrival.
Warming Center – Kalamazoo Community Church, 2435 N 26th St, Kalamazoo
Open 9 AM – 5 PM on 01/23/26 and 01/24/26
*Center will serve warm drinks and snacks. For transportation to this location on 01/23 and 01/24,
please call Metro Connect at (269)350-2970 if walking from the bus stop is too far.
Transportation:
Metro Transit will provide free transportation to warming shelters and warming centers through the evening of 01/24/26. Many bus routes are within a minute walk from most shelters and centers. Riders must specifically request transportation to a warming shelter or center to qualify for free fare.
Metro Connect will provide free transportation to riders outside of the Metro Bus service area or with mobility needs who are specifically requesting transportation to a warming shelter or center.
Please call Metro Connect Dispatch for ride requests at (269)350-2970.
If you are planning on visiting Westminster Presbyterian Church Warming Center on Tuesday or Thursday and need transportation, they will pick you up from Ministry with Community at 10 a.m.
and Airport Inn at 11 a.m. They will drop off to both locations at 2 p.m. These rides are free. They are unable to pick up or drop off to other locations.
In addition to warming shelters and centers, there are additional mobile resources available for those in the unhoused community experiencing cold-related challenges. The City of Kalamazoo Public Safety Community Service Team (CST) will respond to the individual to discuss different assistance options available.
CST can be reached by calling Kalamazoo Consolidated Dispatch at (269) 488-8911 or by email at: CST@KALAMAZOOCITY.ORG.
If an unhoused individual believes they are experiencing a cold related medical issue which is not an emergency, Street Medicine Kalamazoo (SMKzoo) is also available to help. SMKzoo offers doctor provided healthcare services to the unhoused community and will meet them wherever they are. They can be reached by calling or texting (269) 220-0372.
As always, if anyone is experiencing any sort of cold or health emergency, please call 911.
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