Sacramento warming centers to remain open as more rain, cold weather arrive

Editor's note: This story was originally published Nov. 28. It has been updated to reflect the centers' extended dates of operation.

With more cold weather in the forecast, the city and county of Sacramento have extended the operation of several warming centers while Elk Grove is opening its own weather respite centers.

The city warming centers include:

• Outreach and Engagement Center, 3615 Auburn Boulevard
• North Fifth Street shelter lobby, 700 N. 5th Street. 

Both are open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. through Dec. 16, the city said in a news release on Friday. 

The city facilities are “walk-up” centers meaning no reservations are needed. The Outreach and Engagement Center can accommodate up to 50 people, while the lobby can hold 20. 

The shelter lobby is for adults only and is not able to accommodate pets. 

Sacramento County’s warming center will remain open at: 

• The Department of Human Services Annex, 1725 28th Street near Midtown Sacramento. 

That center will open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. also through Dec. 16. 

The city and county shelters have been open since Nov. 28 amid a long stretch of cold and wet weather. 

Sacramento Regional Transit will provide free rides to and from the Outreach and Engagement Center through Dec. 16, according to the city. 

The transit system’s ride-free program uses bus Route 1. It is available from 7 p.m. to approximately 10 p.m. and from approximately 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. The program also allows people to use SacRT light rail for free to get to the Watt/I-80 station, which connects to bus Route 1. 

Riders will need to inform SacRT staff that they are going to/leaving the warming center, the city said. 

The city and county shelters have been open since Nov. 28 amid a long stretch of cold and wet weather. 

More rain fell across the Sacramento region this weekend and near-freezing low temperatures are expected on Monday and Tuesday nights, according to the National Weather Service.

On Monday, Dec. 12, Elk Grove announced it will open two warming centers this week. Those will be located at: 

• The Center at Distrcit56, 8230 Civic Center Drive will open Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wackford Community Complex at 9014 Bruceville Road will open Tuesday through Thursday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m

Pets are not permitted at the centers. Face coverings will be required unless visitors are eating or sleeping. Families with children will be referred to a motel voucher program coordinated.