Severe weather shelters closing Jan. 30 after serving nearly 350 people overnight

January 30, 2023

Severe weather shelters have closed as of Monday morning, Jan. 30, 2023, due to rising temperatures, dry conditions and decreased wind chill.

Temperatures will not reach the shared 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.

But because forecast conditions tonight, Jan. 30, will still meet thresholds for a “cold weather alert” from the Joint Office, outreach workers will continue to distribute extra winter gear in a coordinated, Countywide plan. And they will continue to link higher-risk individuals to a more limited number of overflow beds that will be open throughout the shelter system. 

Day spaces are also available, including Multnomah County libraries. Click here for an interactive map of locations to stay warm during the day.

The National Weather Service expects the overnight low Monday to be above 25 degrees, with minimal wind and no precipitation.

Severe weather shelters open as needed when any of the following thresholds are met for any one of the conditions below that are forecasted to persist for four (4) hours or more between the hours of 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.:

  • Forecasted temperature of 25° F or below
  • Forecasted snow accumulation of 1 inch or more over a 24-hour period.
  • Forecasted temperature at or below 32° F (0° C) with 1 inch or more of rain and with sustained winds greater than 10 mph overnight.

Overnight Sunday, Jan. 29, shelters opened by the City of Porltand, the County and provider partners reached 80% capacity, serving roughly 340 people.

No one was turned away, and when any given shelter reached capacity, transportation was offered to get people to a shelter with capacity. 

Health Department officials say hypothermia hospitalizations were at typical levels as of Sunday night, while emergency department visits overall were well below average, reaching 285 compared to the 14-day average of 320. 

Resources Still Available for Those Living Unsheltered

Throughout the winter months, outreach workers contracted by the Joint Office of Homeless Services distribute lifesaving cold-weather supplies to people who are unsheltered.

Even when the County and City’s shared severe weather thresholds aren't met — but when overnight temperatures are forecast at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, for roughly four hours or longer — the Joint Office issues a "cold weather alert."

When a cold weather alert is issued, some limited additional sheltering resources become available. The advisory prompts an alert issued by 211info that includes all available sheltering resources on a night when a cold weather advisory is issued. In addition, the Joint Office coordinates with outreach providers and other groups to distribute life-saving cold weather gear, just as is done during a severe winter weather event. 

On Jan. 26, the Joint Office activated its cold weather street outreach program, directing providers to find neighbors without shelter and bring them shelter information, gear and supplies.

On  Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, the Joint Office distributed 1,375 pairs of socks; 1,100 ponchos, blankets, hand warmers and mylar bags; 725 tarps; 670 sleeping bags;  660 warm hats and pairs of gloves; 220 hoodies and sweatpants; 295 tents; and 108 cases of water. Outreach workers and volunteers shared those items over the weekend, including nearly two-dozen organizations on Sunday, Jan. 29

Additionally, a cold weather advisory allows outreach workers to have access to overflow shelter capacity. Providers will coordinate on resources and shelter system capacity, and will refer people in need to open shelter beds. 

The Joint Office of Homeless Services operates shelters year-round for people experiencing homelessness. There are more year-round shelter beds – congregate beds, motel rooms and sleeping pods – available now than before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

For those needing a place to warm up during the day, all Multnomah County Library branches (except for Holgate and Midland, which are closed for construction) are open regular hours.

Individuals needing help finding shelter should call 2-1-1 for support.

Support People Living Outside

If you see someone about whom you are concerned during cold weather, such as an individual who is not dressed warmly enough for the weather conditions, call the City of Portland’s non-emergency response line at 503-823-3333 and request a welfare check.

If someone outside is unsheltered and their life appears to be in danger, call 9-1-1.

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Media Contact:

Denis Theriault, 510-875-8546, denis.theriault@mutco.us

Julia Comnes, 971-442-0177, julia.comnes@multco.us