2 cold weather shelters open for 7th season in Westmoreland

Cold evenings are creeping in and three nonprofits want to help those in Westmoreland County who don’t have a warm place to spend the night.

Cold weather shelters have opened for a seventh season at Welcome Home Shelter in Greensburg and Union Mission in Latrobe. Both will provide lodging and transportation on an emergency basis when the nighttime temperature drops below 25 degrees. The shelters at 218 S. Maple Ave. in Greensburg and 2217 Harrison Ave. in Latrobe are open 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. for anyone who is homeless or doesn’t have heat.

“A good night’s sleep, food and a few referrals for assistance can make a world of difference in someone’s life and help get them back on their feet,” said Melaney Hegyes, Westmoreland and Fayette Impact Director at United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Last year, the two shelters provided help to 65 individuals and families with 287 nights of lodging, according to an announcement. To check if the shelters will be open on a given night, call 211. Anyone spending the night is asked to follow public health guidelines related to the coronavirus.

The shelters will stay open through March 31.

According to the National Weather Service in Moon, February 2015 was the fourth coldest month on record with an average high of 18.3 degrees. During that month, the region saw low temperatures hit -10 degrees. Minimum temperatures drop below 0 degrees about five times a year.