Bridgton residents who want to turn down their heat this winter will have a warm place to go during the day, thanks to the work of local community groups.

The Bridgton Community Center, library and maybe even the town office and local churches will be open to those looking for warmth, hot drinks and something to do on cold winter days.

Organizing the warming shelters is a collaborative effort between local groups including the Bridgton Community Center, Bridgton Public Library, Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, town government and area churches called Project Warm. The group is working to help residents get through the winter by setting up the shelters, distributing information and encouraging residents to reach out to their neighbors.

According to Holly Hancock, Director of the Bridgton Public Library, the library and the community center will be available to people when they are open. Back-up locations include the Bridgton town office and local churches.

Town government is acting as a facilitator, with no tax money being contributed to the project, according to Town Manager Mitchell Berkowitz.

“We see the need and are working with all the different groups,” Berkowitz said.

Michael McClellan, executive director of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce is playing a support role to the project.

“The purpose of it is to be proactive,” McClellan said. “People are predicting it’s going to be a tough winter.” McClellan said the plan is to equip the warming shelters with activities, games and hot beverages.

The Project Warm committee plans to meet Friday, Sept. 5, to work out details. For more information or to volunteer time or supplies, call the community center at 647-3116.

Bridgton residents aren’t the only ones planning to set up a warming shelter for town residents. Sebago Recreation Director Corinne Davis said there are plans to choose one day a week for residents to meet at the town hall, have lunch and warm up.

Sebago also has a fuel assistance fund administered through the People’s Regional Opportunity Program.

“There’s no need for anyone to be cold in Sebago,” Davis said.