PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Severe winter weather is slated to hit the region, bringing freezing rain and snow; as a result, warming shelters are beginning to open on Thursday.
Three new sites, which include the Oregon Convention Center, will offer 300 more beds to those experiencing houselessness, and are in addition to the other shelters open in the region, according to Multnomah County officials.
The locations and times are as follows:
Oregon Convention Center
965 NE 1st Ave., Portland, OR
Opens at 8 p.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday
Operated by Transition Projects
Metro Garage
578 NE Irving St., Portland, OR
Opens at noon Thursday, open 24 hours
Operated by Multnomah County Emergency Management
Arbor Lodge Severe Weather Shelter
1952 N Lombard St., Portland, OR
Opens at 8 p.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday
Operated by Multnomah County Emergency Management
People can walk to these warming shelters, or if they’re in need of transportation, can call 211, according to Multnomah County officials.
County officials said they are in need of volunteers to help work shifts at the Arbor Lodge and Metro Garage shelters. Volunteers, guests and staff will be screen at Arbor Lodge. No screenings will be required at the Metro Garage because it’s an open-air facility but COVID safety measures will still be in place.
Sign up for shifts at Arbor Lodge
Sign up for shifts at Metro Garage
You can also help by donating cold-weather gear. Click here to learn more.
Living Hope Church on NE Andresen Road in Vancouver opened its doors to folks in need of warm shelter for the ninth year. But for the first time this year, the shelter will be available 24 hours a day when it opens at 7 p.m. Thursday night.
“What you see around me is our warming shelter where we have 45 beds set up,” said Living Hope Church Outreach Pastor Brian Norris. “We’re a low-barrier shelter, we accept walk-ins, people at all stages of life… It’s so important right now, who knows how cold it’s gonna get.”
The church is also accepting blanket donations.