Meriden council approves $30,000 to help keep regional warming center open through winter

Meriden — The City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 20 to contribute up to $30,000 from the contingency fund to support regional warming-center operations that provide overnight shelter during the coldest months.

Donna DiTrio, co-chair of the Meriden Coalition to End Homelessness, told the council the local warming center runs from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. as a 30‑bed operation and has received $312,750 in Department of Housing funding; she said roughly $140,000 and $130,000 of that award were diverted to Wallingford and Middletown, leaving about $172,750 to operate the Meriden site. ‘‘It costs between salary, fringe benefits and the security guard $104,000 just for maintaining supervision,’’ DiTrio said, adding that remaining funds must cover food, janitorial services and personal‑hygiene supplies.

Councilor Sonia Jelks, who sponsored the request, told colleagues a detailed budget was circulated and that United Way will administer the funds and submit reimbursement documentation. Jelks noted the regional Coordinated Access Network (CAN) divides responsibility among about 17 towns and that Meriden’s warming center is in its second year.

Minority Leader Michael Zakrzewski said he supported keeping people safe but raised concerns about documentation and operator stability. The council heard that United Way — not New Opportunities — will administer the specific funds for this allocation and that some operating costs could require negotiation with the Department of Housing if the municipality could not cover shortfalls.

Council members asked for clarification about the budget breakdown circulated at the meeting; councilors and presenters identified line items including $7,800 for food, $3,500 for bus tickets, $4,100 for cleaning supplies, $1,600 for personal‑hygiene supplies and $9,900 for security. The city manager said finance staff believe contingency funds will still cover anticipated snow and ice costs even after the contribution.

With those clarifications, the council approved the contribution by roll call, 12‑0. Councilors and presenters said the funding is intended to keep the center staffed when the cold‑weather protocol is activated and to ensure a local option for Meriden residents rather than sending them to neighboring towns.

The measure does not create a permanent city appropriation; the council recorded that United Way will provide receipts and seek reimbursement through the city’s finance director as part of the agreement.

The council moved on after the vote; no additional funding commitment or contract language was presented at the meeting.