Warming Center at Oneida County Office Building Ceasing Operation Effective Immediately

With Oneida County no longer experiencing extreme cold temperatures, County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the warming center at the Oneida County Office Building will cease operation immediately until needed again.

“With overnight low temperatures no longer falling to single digits and below zero, the need for a warming center at the County Office Building has dissipated,” Picente said. “We served hundreds of people over the past several weeks and will gladly re-open our doors should the need arise again.”   

The Oneida County Office of Family and Community Services (DFCS) operated the warming center in a seating area on the first floor of the County Office Building from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Individuals who utilized the warming center had access to restrooms, but no beds or bedding were provided. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office provided security.

DFCS coordinated the effort with the Rescue Mission of Utica, which operates its own 24/7 Drop-in/Warming Center on behalf of the county located at 1013 West Street in Utica, and Cornerstone Community Church, which operates its Morrow Warming Center located at 500 Plant Street in Utica from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.