Regional Overnight Emergency Shelter Opens

While most towns have closed their local overnight emergency shelters, the American Red Cross has opened a regional facility in East Lyme for people who need a place to spend the night.

Montville and Groton are among the towns that are offering “respite” shelters tonight—facilities where you can shower and get a hot meal—but the overnight shelters are closed.

The regional shelter is at the East Lyme Senior Center, 37 Society Road, according to Red Cross spokesman Paul Shipman. It is open now and is available to anyone in the region. It is allowing pets, although they must be crated.

Shipman said that if people have questions about sheltering, they should first call their town emergency management number and find out about local options.

The Stonington emergency management numbers are 860-599-7583 and 860-599-7584.

Shipman said the number 2-1-1 also provides information 24 hours a day.

The Red Cross is urging anyone coming to the overnight shelter to bring pillows, sleeping bags or bedding, toiletries and anything to pass the time (books, games, etc).

He said there is food at the shelter