Fort Wayne, Ind. (WOWO) — Several local nonprofit organizations are partnering once again to keep individuals and families experiencing homelessness safe during the coldest months of the year. Working alongside the City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services, the group has finalized the 2025–2026 winter contingency and emergency shelter plan, which will operate from December 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
Expanded Overnight Shelter Services
A key component of this year’s plan is the Winter Contingency Emergency Shelter for single women and families with children, located at The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St. The shelter opens December 1 and provides temporary overnight housing, meals, and showers. Guests may check in between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week.
For the first time, this winter shelter will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The expanded hours are made possible through a new partnership with Blue Jacket, which will staff the shelter. The Rescue Mission is assisting with the training and wages for these workers.
Single men seeking emergency shelter may stay at the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, 404 E. Washington Blvd.
These winter services build on year-round emergency shelter options already available in the community, including St. Joseph Missions (for single homeless women), Just Neighbors (for homeless families), and Charis House, the Rescue Mission’s program for women and children.
Daytime Warming Options Available Across the City
Multiple public and nonprofit partners are offering warming centers to ensure people have a safe daytime refuge during extremely cold weather:
The Rescue Mission, 404 E. Washington Blvd.: Open 7 a.m.–6 p.m., daily, regardless of temperature
InAsMuch Ministry, 930 Broadway St.: Open Monday–Friday, 7:30–11:30 a.m., and Mondays, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Allen County Public Library – Main Branch, 900 Library Plaza: Open Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. and Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Project.ME, 2305 Broadway: Open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, noon–4 p.m.
Citilink buses: Serve as mobile warming centers for riders with a valid pass, operating Monday–Friday, 5:40 a.m.–8:15 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St.: Open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Officials say the winter contingency plan is designed to ensure that no individual or family is left without access to warm, safe shelter during dangerous weather conditions.
More information on winter emergency shelter and warming centers is available at the City of Fort Wayne’s online portal: 2025–2026 Winter Contingency Plan.
