WORCESTER — City Manager Eric Batista announced on Thursday the launch of a new emergency winter shelter for single adults facing homelessness. Located at the former Registry of Motor Vehicles Service Center at 611 Main St., the shelter is expected to open the week of December 11.
The South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) will operate the 60-bed facility, which will be available 24/7 until the end of April. It will offer essential services such as showers, meals, support services, and security.
Batista emphasized the collaborative effort behind the shelter’s opening, stating, “This is a result of our community and state working together to ensure no one is left out in the cold during winter.”
Susan Gentili, President of SMOC, reiterated the organization’s commitment to aiding those in need, especially during winter. “Our focus extends beyond providing shelter; we aim to connect individuals with services to help them find stable housing,” she said.
According to the city, Worcester’s Homeless Outreach and Quality of Life Teams are actively informing the homeless population about the shelter, focusing on those with the most critical needs.
