Severe weather shelters closed today, Friday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m., as forecasts showed frigid temperatures beginning to rise. Outreach teams will continue to bring gear to vulnerable unsheltered neighbors tonight and throughout the winter as conditions require.
Anyone seeking alternative shelter options and other social and health services should dial 2-1-1. For updates and future severe weather shelter sites, please check back at multco.us/cold.
Over the last three nights, five shelters — operated by Multnomah County, the City of Portland, the Joint Office of Homeless Services, and partner providers Transition Projects and Cultivate Initiatives — served a total of 739 people.
The Joint Office, together with Multnomah County and the City of Portland, will continue to monitor conditions throughout the winter and open severe weather shelters when certain thresholds are met.
In addition to the severe-weather beds that open only when certain weather thresholds are met, the Joint Office, Multnomah County and the City of Portland also support more than 1,600 shelter beds that are open every night this winter, no matter the forecast. Other community partners also add winter shelter capacity.
To help someone access shelter, dial 2-1-1.
If you see someone about whom you are concerned during cold weather, such as an individual who is not dressed for the weather conditions, call the 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.
Cold snap brought near-record cold temperatures to Multnomah County
Multnomah County and the City of Portland declared a state of emergency Tuesday, Feb. 22, in response to a February cold snap that brought near-record low temperatures to the region.
Multnomah County, together with the Joint Office of Homeless Services, the City of Portland and community partners opened five shelters Feb. 22. That night, the shelters served 230 people.
Throughout the cold snap, community nonprofits, mutual aid groups and housed neighbors, alongside outreach teams funded directly by the Joint Office, distributed gear to people who preferred not to go to a shelter, and arranged rides for anyone who opted to stay at a shelter.
Teams distributed 467 tents, 526 sleeping bags, 1,400 pairs of hand warmers, 1,404 pairs of knit gloves, 1,428 knit hats, 308 sweatpants, 308 hoodies, 1,108 tarps, 1,376 blankets, 640 ponchos, and 2,676 pairs of socks.
Stay Informed and Check on Neighbors
Our emergency managers and Multnomah County Health Officer are advising community members to remain prepared. Check on your neighbors: Please knock on the door, make the call, let people know if you’re going to the store, and ask how you might help.
Care for When It’s Cold: Up-to-date information from Multnomah County on shelters, safety and support.
211info.org: Up-to-date info 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 it. Sign up for Severe Winter Weather alerts via email or text by going to www.211info.org/em-shelters#multnomah
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.
Oregon Roads: The Oregon Department of Transportation TripCheck site updates road conditions and streams live roadside video.