BOSTON — Boston city leaders have prepared options for people experiencing homelessness and others in need during Saturday’s potentially record-breaking cold.
Ahead of the chill, Gov. Maura Healey reversed a previous policy and allowed people to spend the night at South Station.
Friday night parked the first time in more than five years that people were given 24-hour access to South Station.
“We have been in close contact with local leaders and service providers to make sure people are being taken (sic) care of during the extreme weather, including having providers available to offer transportation to shelter for those who want it as well as other resources,” said Governor Maura Healey in a statement to Boston 25 News. “We encourage anyone who needs a place to stay to accept this offer and spend the night at a safe, warm shelter rather than at the station.”
Healey said she will continue opening South Station overnight during future extreme weather events on a case-by-case basis.
Meanwhile, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is opening all Boston Centers for Youth and Families locations as warming centers Saturday. The centers will be open during their normal operating hours, which vary by location.
The Boston Police Department is making announcements on every shift reminding officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for people on the streets.
The BPD Street Outreach Unit will also be passing out gloves, hats, jackets, and hand warmers to people in need, as well as providing transportation to shelters.
The current threshold for a cold emergency in Boston is at least one day of 10°F or below observed wind chill.
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