Warming centers in Multnomah County will open on Sunday February 5, 2017, in anticipation of possible snow and freezing temperatures.
As severe weather persists staff at A Home For Everyone will continue to monitor conditions and ensure sufficient warming center capacity.
Year-round winter shelters remain open. Anyone seeking shelter in Multnomah County should dial 211 or visit 211info.org/emergency/#multnomah to identify the closest available shelter and arrange for transportation. Callers may need to be patient if call volumes are higher than usual. Families with children seeking shelter should call 211 to be directed to a shelter that can accommodate children.
Ongoing community effort
Leaders in Multnomah County, the city of Portland and the city of Gresham urge anyone who’s homeless to seek shelter. They also urge the public to watch out for vulnerable neighbors living outside. Community support has been immensely valuable during this winter's severe weather.
Staff from the Joint Office of Homeless Services monitor weather conditions and work with local nonprofits to open emergency warming centers as needed. So far this winter, community members and volunteers from government agencies and nonprofit partners have helped staff warming centers, that have kept hundreds of people safe each night, including several nights this week.
A long winter
Warming centers have been open for more than 30 days this winter — including every day from New Year’s Day through Jan. 18. That’s more than double the 13 days officials opened warming centers for all of last winter. The centers were open just 15 days in the winter of 2014-15.
PERSONS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE: If you see someone outside unsheltered whose life appears to be in danger or is in an apparent medical crisis, call 911. Otherwise, if you see someone you’re concerned about -- such as someone who doesn’t seem dressed for the weather conditions -- call police non-emergency (503) 823-3333 and request a welfare check for that person. To generally help someone obtain shelter and/or transportation to shelter, please call 211.
Learn about the signs of conditions like hypothermia, which can mimic symptoms of impairment from drugs and alcohol. Read more hypothermia and other cold-related dangers, including carbon monoxide hazards and important information on the use of alternative sources of heat, at multco.us/multnomah-county/news/dangers-cold.
Multnomah County offers mental health crisis resources, at any hour, for anyone experiencing a crisis. Mental health clinicians can provide direct phone assistance to individuals experiencing a mental-health crisis including: escalated symptoms of agitation, anxiety, depression, psychosis, dangerous to self or others, substance use, etc. Call (503) 988-4888 or visit the Multnomah County Mental Health Crisis Intervention website for more information.
HOW TO HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS: Nonprofit partners have limited space to accept donations of critical supplies such as blankets, tarps, warm coats, hats, gloves and socks. For more information on most needed items, visit 211’s website, 211info.org, will have a list of providers’ most urgent needs. You can visit Hands On Greater Portland for volunteer opportunities, or go to individual nonprofits’ websites.
CONTACT: Communications Coordinator Jessica Morkert-Shibley, Multnomah County, (971) 563-3735.