Puerto Seguro Safe Harbor breaks record at warming center

In 2025, Puerto Seguro Safe Harbor, Inc. (PSI) received funding to expand its overnight warming center operation, serving a growing number of residents seeking shelter from the cold during the winter months.

“We’ve had more than 20 people every single night in January,” said Shay Kelley, chair of the board for Puerto Seguro. She added that during the week of January 12, they broke their record with 33 people in one night, including nine women.

Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Pacheco said he has seen a yearly increase in structure fires in abandoned buildings and estimates an average of two a month since about November. He said it is impossible to know for certain how the fires are started, but said that life “is hard” for some residents who may be desperate to stay warm. 

Last week PSI, located at 519 Old US Hwy 85, had been open for 34 nights so far this winter, operating nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and Kelley expected to remain open for at least 10 additional nights due to incoming rain, snow and freezing temperatures.

Puerto Seguro’s warming center has 12 cots available, meaning capacity is often exceeded. Kelley said guests work cooperatively to rotate sleeping space, allowing everyone time indoors to rest and warm up.

“The cots are always full,” she said. “People take turns — they’ll come in, sleep for a few hours, then step out so someone else can come in. People are really making it work.”

While the warming center primarily serves individuals who are unhoused, Puerto Seguro’s data shows that many guests are local residents who technically have housing but lack basic utilities. On one night with 27 guests, nine were housed but had no heat or electricity in their homes, said Kelley.

“They’re coming because they would be really cold at home,” she said. “They might only stay four or five hours, but it gives them a chance to get some real sleep and be safe.”

Puerto Seguro collects data on its services, which show the majority of people using the warming center are long-time local residents who already rely on the organization for assistance.

Beyond emergency shelter, Puerto Seguro Safe Harbor provides a wide range of services year-round. According to the organization’s 2025 Annual Impact Statement, Puerto Seguro distributed 8,166 hot meals last year, 6,221 cold meal kits, 1,622 hygiene kits, and hundreds of blankets, sleeping bags, cases of diapers and more.

In addition, the organization reported that it distributed 30,307 pounds of in-kind donations, including first aid kits, feminine hygiene products, flashlights, hand warmers and other essential supplies. 

The impact statement also highlights Puerto Seguro’s financial assistance efforts. In 2025, 41 families received rent and/or utility assistance, helping households remain housed during periods of financial instability. Additionally, 11 families were provided hotel accommodations for stays ranging from one to five nights, offering short-term shelter during emergencies.

The Safe Harbor Secondhand Store, located on California St., provided $4,962.00 in vouchers to help individuals get clothing for job interviews, household goods and other necessities.

The annual impact figures reflect services provided across all Puerto Seguro programs, including regular meal service, financial assistance and emergency response efforts — not just the warming center.

As demand continues to rise during extreme weather, Kelley emphasized that Puerto Seguro’s role extends beyond serving those who are unsheltered.

“This is about providing respite,” she said. “Whether someone is housed or unhoused, without heat, people need somewhere warm and safe to go. That’s what we’re here for.”