Cold weather shelters open in Santa Cruz County

March 2, 2023

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veterans memorial building cold shelter — Scores of people exit the Veterans Memorial Building in Watsonville Monday morning where the facility has been serving as a warming center during unusually cold weather. Photo: Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian

Santa Cruz County has opened two emergency cold shelter sites in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. Unhoused residents needing a warm place to stay for the night are welcome to stop by.

The shelters are located at the Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building, 215 E. Beach St., and Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front St.

The hours of each site are 8am-8pm.

Operating under contract with the County, The Free Guide will operate each site who offer visitors food, clothes, sanitary equipment and other basic needs, as well as a warm place to sleep for anyone who is unable to find shelter, county spokesman Jason Hoppin said.

Additional resources and support may be available by calling 211.