BARRE, Vt. (WCAX) – With freezing temperatures in the forecast, the city of Barre is trying to make sure people don’t sleep outside in the cold.
City officials say they partnered with the American Red Cross and the state to set up an overnight shelter at the city’s auditorium.
The shelter opened its doors on Sunday and will remain open until the 23rd – seven to seven.
Volunteers have set up about 100 beds in the basement of auditorium
Local partners in the area say Barre has quite a few people sleeping outside and officials say don’t want to see another tragedy happen because of extreme temperatures.
“So it is going to be a prolonged arctic blast that is coming through. So we are worried about the people who are outside. There is about two dozen people who are in the area who are outdoors. So we don’t want any tragedies,” Barre City Manager Nicolas Storellicastro said.
Officials say if the cold temps continue, the city could re-evaluate if the shelter needs to stay a little longer.
For more information : https://vem.vermont.gov/shelters