The South End Community Center YMCA on Park Avenue in Bridgeport is offering overnight shelter during the bitterly cold weather.

The center normally operates as a child care and summer camp but transforms during the cold winter months into an overnight shelter.

Those in need of a place to keep warm are given a bed, three meals and a shower.

Due to pandemic protocols, the facility has room for 40 cots.

Bridgeport YMCA vice president Carmen Colon says they typically hit capacity on nights like Friday.

However, she says no one is turned away because of partnerships with local hotels.

The hotels also serve as a place to quarantine should anyone test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival at the South End Community Center.

Colon says this new endeavor is made possible thanks to funding from the state Department of Housing and the City of Bridgeport.