Little Rock, Arkansas – As colder-than-normal temperatures settle over central Arkansas, the City of Little Rock is taking proactive steps to help residents stay safe and warm. Beginning Sunday, November 30, the city will open a temporary overnight emergency shelter at Dunbar Community Center to provide refuge for anyone in need during the chill.
The shelter will operate from 6 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Monday, and will reopen Monday evening at 6 p.m., remaining open until 9 a.m. Tuesday. City officials emphasized that the shelter is available to any resident seeking a warm and safe place to spend the night. “The emergency shelter is open to any resident who needs a warm, safe place to stay overnight,” they said, underscoring the city’s commitment to public safety during periods of severe weather.
Dunbar Community Center, located at 1001 W. 16th St., will serve as the main hub for this emergency response. The city’s decision to mobilize the shelter follows forecasts predicting low temperatures and potential winter precipitation over the coming days. City officials will continue to monitor weather conditions closely and are prepared to extend the shelter’s operation if the cold snap persists.
In addition to the overnight emergency shelter, the City of Little Rock maintains several community centers that function as warming centers during daytime hours. Southwest Community Center at 6401 Baseline Road and West Central Community Center at 8616 Colonel Glenn Road will be open to residents Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These facilities provide residents with a heated environment during the day, ensuring access to warmth even outside of overnight shelter hours.
The city encourages residents to take advantage of these resources, particularly those who may lack stable housing, have medical conditions sensitive to cold, or are otherwise vulnerable during extreme weather. By providing a combination of overnight and daytime facilities, Little Rock officials aim to reduce risks associated with exposure to low temperatures and winter precipitation.
City leaders highlighted that this effort is part of an ongoing commitment to public safety and community support. Officials said, “City of Little Rock officials will continue to actively monitor weather forecasts to determine whether to mobilize the shelter for additional nights during this period of colder-than-normal weather.” This approach allows the city to respond dynamically to changing conditions, ensuring residents have access to safe and reliable shelter whenever necessary.
Residents seeking shelter or warming centers are encouraged to visit the Dunbar, Southwest, or West Central Community Centers during their operating hours. These measures provide critical relief as Little Rock navigates a period of winter weather, demonstrating the city’s dedication to protecting the well-being of its most vulnerable populations.
