Oneida County Office Building Again Opens Doors to Shelter Residents from Extreme Cold View

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the Oneida County Office Building will again serve as an evening warming center to shelter residents from this week's extreme cold.

"With cold temperatures and extreme wind chill forecasted through this weekend, many Oneida County residents will be at risk," Picente said. "We are working diligently with our partners at the Rescue Mission to make sure those who do not have shelter are cared for. In order to accommodate as many people as possible and complement other such services provided by other partners like the Cornerstone Community Church, we will once again be opening the County Office Building to offer respite to those in need."

The Oneida County Office of Family and Community Services (DFCS) will set the warming center up as a seating area on the first floor of the County Office Building, which is located at 800 Park Avenue in Utica. It will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. from Jan. 23 to Jan. 26, 2026.

Individuals utilizing the warming center will have access to restrooms, but no beds or bedding will be provided. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office will be providing security. DFCS is coordinating this effort with the Rescue Mission of Utica, which operates its own 24/7 Drop-in/Warming Center on behalf of the county located at 1013 West Street in Utica.

The Morrow Warming Center located at 500 Plant Street in Utica is also available to residents from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. and the South Rome Senior Center located at 112 Ridge Street in Rome will serve as a warming center from 8 p.m. to 8 .m. on Friday and Saturday.