(Updated February 23, 2023, at 3 p.m.)
City of Portland and Multnomah County leaders are expanding shelter capacity tonight with additional emergency shelters opening at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, bringing the total number of overnight shelters to six.
Three warming shelters have remained open during daytime hours today, Thursday, Feb. 23, and will also stay open overnight:
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Arbor Lodge, 7440 N. Denver Ave., Portland (corner of N. Lombard and N. Denver)
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Salvation Army, 5325 N. Williams Ave., Portland
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East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., Portland
Three additional sites will also open tonight, Thursday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. Total capacity overnight across all six sites will grow to roughly 700 beds:
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Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N. Foss Ave., Portland (reopening after being open Wednesday night)
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Imago Dei, 1302 S.E. Ankeny St., Portland
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Friendly House, 1737 N.W. 26th Ave., Portland
Lloyd Center is also open during the day today. All Multnomah County Library locations are closed today because of the snow.
Sign up to volunteer at a warming shelter
Community members who are able to volunteer at a warming center are encouraged to sign up.
The most urgent need is for people to commit to daytime hour shelter shifts tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 24), in the event we continue to extend our hours at the following shelter sites. Click on each link to find volunteer opportunities at that site:
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Salvation Army (North/Northeast Portland)
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Friendly House (Northwest Portland)
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Imago Dei (Southeast Portland)
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Charles Jordan Community Center (North Portland)
Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for a 2-hour online training before their shift, if possible. Register for the training here.
Emergency managers recommend people sign up to volunteer at a site they can safely walk to, as much as possible.
Transportation is available, but expect delays
No one who comes to a shelter will be turned away. All sites welcome pets and are accessible to people with disabilities. People in need can call 211 for free transportation or ride TriMet to warming shelters or any other warming space — but they should expect delays. TriMet will not turn away anyone traveling to or from a warm place who cannot afford to pay fare during the state of emergency. Check trimet.org/alerts before leaving to check routes.
More than 320 people accessed warming shelter beds overnight Wednesday, Feb. 22, out of a total capacity of more than 500 beds.
Supply distribution continuing
The Joint Office of Homeless Services and its contracted providers are continuing street-level outreach to people living outside, providing life-saving supplies and services.
Winter weather is especially dangerous for anyone experiencing houselessness, and can also pose a greater risk for older adults and people with disabilities.
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.
Hypothermia is a risk for people living unsheltered. Hypothermia becomes life threatening when the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees. It’s more likely when a person is damp from rain or sweat, and can occur even at temperatures above 40 degrees. Symptoms of hypothermia can mimic the symptoms of impairment from drugs and alcohol.
Warnings signs of dropping body temperature in adults include:
- Shivering
- Extreme tiredness or feeling sleepy
- Confusion and memory loss
- Fumbling hands and slurred speech
Warnings signs of dropping body temperature in infants include:
- Bright red, cold skin
- Lethargy
If you notice any of these signs, get medical attention immediately and begin warming the person by getting them into a warm room, taking off any wet clothing, and wrapping them in warm, dry blankets.
Stay informed and check on neighbors
Emergency managers and the Multnomah County Health Officer are advising all community members who are currently in a safe location to stay in place and avoid travel if possible.
Care for When It’s Cold: Up-to-date information from Multnomah County on shelters, safety and support.
211info.org: Up-to-date info on weather conditions, available resources, where to find the nearest available shelter and transportation options. You can also find out where you can donate winter weather items to those who need them. Sign up for Severe Winter Weather alerts via email or text by going to 211info’s sign-up page.
National Weather Service: Check weather warnings in the Portland Metro area.
Public Alerts: Sign up to get emergency alerts about safety concerns in your area.
TriMet Alerts: Check for winter weather advisories.
ODOT TripCheck: The Oregon Department of Transportation TripCheck site updates Oregon road conditions and streams live roadside video.
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Contact:
Julia Comnes, 971-442-0177, julia.comnes@multco.us
Sarah Dean, 971-349-0287, sarah.dean@multco.us
