MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The City of Milwaukee is taking measures to combat the season's coldest weather by providing warming shelters for those in need. The Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, also known as the Milwaukee Continuum of Care, is leading the plan.

Their focus is on ensuring that individuals sleeping outdoors during freezing temperatures have access to warm, indoor spaces to rest, as part of their ongoing efforts to address housing instability in the community. The plan was detailed in a Monday, Nov. 27 press release.

The initiative is slotted to officially begin on Monday, Dec. 4, continuing until March 31, 2024.

People seeking housing support or wishing to access the warming shelters can call 2-1-1 for up-to-date information. The Coordinated Entry team will be available at specific locations and times throughout the week to assist individuals in need.

The following locations have been designated as warming shelters:

• Milwaukee County’s Hillview, 1615 S. 22nd Street
• Greater Galilee Baptist Church, 2432 N. Teutonia Avenue
• Guest House Milwaukee, 1216 N. 13th Street
• St. Ben’s, 930 W. State Street, but only if the temperature is 25 degrees that evening.
• Repairers of the Breach, 1335 W. Vliet Street
• The Milwaukee Rescue Mission, 830 N. 19th Street

This warming strategy is a collaboration between various city and county departments, non-profits and community organizations.