Severe weather shelters closed at 8 a.m. today.
Temperatures will not reach the severe weather thresholds that Multnomah County and City of Portland officials use — in consultation with Emergency Management, the Health Department, County Human Services, the Joint Office of Homeless Services, and the National Weather Service — to jointly decide shelter plans.
On Dec. 23, more than 1,000 people found warmth at the Oregon Convention Center, Portsmouth Union and Arbor Lodge shelters operated by Do Good Multnomah, Reynolds High School and the Sunrise Center, operated by Cultivate Initiatives. The effort was possible due to the efforts of 211, TriMet, Do Good Multnomah, Cultivate Initiatives and Metro, city and county staff and volunteers. All shelter staff slots were filled despite the holiday.
Cold weather gear & rides were also provided to guests to help the transition.
Outreach teams — including those from Transition Projects, JOIN, Janus Youth, Cascadia Behavioral Health and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office HOPE team — were in the community, making contact with vulnerable populations, providing resources and sharing information about severe weather and year-round shelters.
Since the cold snap hit Dec. 21, more than 220 outreach workers from contracted providers and mutual aid groups, reached people in 37 identified zones. They handed out cold weather survival gear and information on rides and shelters, including at least 500 maps. That doesn’t include work first responders, like Portland Fire & Rescue did throughout the event.
More info at Care for When it’s Cold on how to keep helping those outside.