As temperatures drop to dangerous levels across western Connecticut, Stamford officials and community facilities are taking steps to protect the city's most vulnerable residents.

The city of Stamford and area homeless shelters are working to make sure residents living on the street or without adequate housing have a place to go. 

Stamford Mayor David Martin Friday activated the city's Cold Weather Protocol, which will be in effect through Sunday.

The protocol means five warming centers will be open to residents in need.

Only one warming center will be open overnight. It's run by Inspirica, a city-based center that provides services to the homeless.

Inspirica CEO Jason Shaplen says the warming center at 8 Woodland Place is open for single men, women and families.

"Anyone who needs shelter, anyone who needs to get off the street when it's a-life threatening situation can come to us," he says. "They'll be taken in, they'll be given a hot meal, a shower, a cot, breakfast in the morning before they can go out when the daytime warming shelters are open."

The doors at the overnight warming shelter will be open until 8 a.m. Saturday.