FORT WAYNE, IND. (WOWO) Several Fort Wayne nonprofit agencies are once again working with the city to provide shelter and warming services for unhoused individuals and families during the winter months.

According to the City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, the winter contingency and emergency shelter plan is in effect from December 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. The plan coordinates overnight shelter, daytime warming centers, and transportation options during cold weather.

A Winter Contingency Emergency Shelter for single women and families with children is operating at The Salvation Army, located at 2901 North Clinton Street. City officials say the shelter offers temporary emergency housing, meals, and showers. Individuals seeking shelter should arrive between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. for intake. Single men can access overnight emergency shelter at the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission on East Washington Boulevard.

For the first time, the winter emergency shelter at The Salvation Army is operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The city says the expanded hours are made possible through a partnership with Blue Jacket, which provides staffing, with support from the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.

The winter shelter services supplement year-round emergency shelter options provided by St. Joseph Missions, Just Neighbors, and Charis House, which serves women and children through the Rescue Mission.

In addition to overnight shelter, several organizations are operating daytime warming centers. Locations include the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, InAsMuch Ministry, the Allen County Public Library Main Branch, Project.ME, and The Salvation Army. Citilink buses are also serving as mobile warming centers for riders with a valid pass during regular service hours.

City officials say the coordinated effort is designed to ensure unhoused residents have access to safe, warm spaces throughout the winter season.