Aurora Shelter Sees Surge in Needs as Frigid Temperatures Persist

Executive director Annie Fish says the Aurora Winter Warming Center has been open three times as many days as last year, leading to a sharp rise in the number of people seeking shelter.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Aurora Winter Warming Center, led by executive director Annie Fish, has seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking shelter as the Fox Valley windchill continues to dip below zero. The center has been open three times as many days as last year, and Fish says they have been helping other organizations "fill in the gap" as the need for family shelter grows in the area. The community has stepped up with dedicated volunteers and generous donations, but the center is still in need of more supplies like men's winter clothing and boots, as well as additional volunteers.

Why it matters

The rise in demand for shelter services in Aurora highlights the ongoing challenge of homelessness in the region, especially as extreme winter weather puts those without stable housing at greater risk. The warming center's efforts to address the needs of the unsheltered population, including providing storage for belongings during "encampment sweeps", demonstrate the importance of community-based solutions to support vulnerable residents.

The details

The Aurora Winter Warming Center has been open three times as many days as last year, leading to a significant increase in the number of people seeking shelter. Executive director Annie Fish says they have been helping other organizations "fill in the gap" as the need for family shelter continues to grow in the area. The center is in need of more supplies like men's winter clothing and boots, as well as additional volunteers to help manage the influx of people. Fish credits the community's response, including dedicated volunteers and generous donations from individuals and businesses, for making the center's work more manageable.

  • The Aurora Winter Warming Center opened about six weeks ago.
  • The center has been open three times as many days as last year.

The players

Annie Fish

The executive director of the Aurora Winter Warming Center.

Oswegoland Senior and Community Center

Opened its doors to allow those who rely on the Aurora Winter Warming Center to occasionally take showers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We want to be able to free up mental space, give them one less thing to worry about.”

— Annie Fish, Executive Director

“As we head into this second half of the season, I realize more and more this is a group project. I want to make sure we put that invitation out to the community to be part of it.”

— Annie Fish, Executive Director

What’s next

The Aurora Winter Warming Center is continuing to seek more volunteers and donations of men's winter clothing and boots to help meet the growing demand for shelter services.

The takeaway

The surge in demand for the Aurora Winter Warming Center's services underscores the persistent challenge of homelessness in the region, especially during the harsh winter months. However, the community's response, with dedicated volunteers and generous donations, demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts to support vulnerable residents and provide critical shelter and resources.