Windsor Storm Shelter Near Capacity

Windsor's storm shelter is nearly "at full tilt."

The shelter in the gymnasium of the L.P. Wilson Community Center had 320 residents during the day on Monday, all making use of its resources, which include showers, cell phone charging stations and hot meals, according to Town Manager Peter Souza.

More than 100 residents stayed overnight from Sunday to Monday, and that number is rising and Souza said that the shelter is reaching its cot capacity at about 250 cots. As a result, the town has reached out to the Capitol Region Council of Governments for additional cots.

Assistant Town Manager Emily Moon said Monday that town officials are considering whether to open the community center at 330 Windsor Ave. to increase the towns ability to shelter residents seeking warmth. Some had asked about using the high school, which has a generator, but because its bathrooms are on a timer it is a poor location for a shelter.

The shelter at L.P. Wilson is adequately staffed by town employees, but the facility has significant limitations in the amount of people it can accomodate. One limitation is the center's kitchen. While it is making three meals a day for sheltered residents, it would be hard to keep up the pace if more people come in, Moon said. The town's next options are to buy hot food, use the high school's cafeteria and serve cold meals.

The L.P. Wilson shelter is unable to take residents with "significant medical issues" because it is unequipped to do so, Souza said.

The town has been in contact with 80 residents that they have identified as "at risk," and have made sure they are making it through the days -- some have left their homes to seek shelter and medical attention elsewhere, according to Souza.