Care for When It's Cold

Find the latest information on emergency shelters and enhanced street outreach — and how to volunteer if needed. Check out other tips and resources for how to stay safe during the winter months.

Updated: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 

Open today/tonight:

  • Multnomah County and the City of Portland’s more than 2,000 year-round shelter beds, along with the City of Portland’s overnight-only shelter beds. People seeking shelter in Portland should call 311 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for information on the City’s shelters, or check this interactive map.
  • Other warm spaces can be found on this interactive map. 

Not open tonight: 

  • Emergency severe weather shelters. 

Anyone in Multnomah County seeking cold weather resources, like shelter, warming centers, hot meals, warm clothes, or volunteer or donation opportunities, can call 211.

  • The main 211info contact center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Families seeking shelter in Multnomah County should contact 211info.
  • During extreme weather events, the contact center may operate extended hours. When extended hours are in effect, 211info will provide updates at 211info.org and on social media.
  • Some programs, including child care referrals, foster/resource parent support and coordinated entry operate additional hours.

People seeking shelter in Portland can also call 311 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for information on the City’s overnight-only shelters, or check this interactive map.

Community members can also find warm spaces, including overnight shelters, Multnomah County Library and the Multnomah County Health Department's Behavioral Health Resource Center, at: link.multco.us/warm-spaces.

Be sure to check Library hours and locations before you go. Hours and locations can be found at this webpage. 

Carbon monoxide safety

Now is a good time to check your carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas known as the “silent killer.” 

The risk for carbon monoxide poisoning increases as temperatures drop in the fall and winter: Gas or oil furnaces that are broken and leaking get turned back on when cold weather arrives, while gas or other fuel-burning appliances (such as gas or kerosene space heaters, stoves or generators) might be used indoors or in other enclosed spaces like tents and RVs. The risk is especially high during winter storms and power outages.

High exposure to carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death before you even wake up or realize what's happening. Watch for dizziness, headaches, confusion, fatigue, chest pain, weakness, nausea or upset stomach, and vomiting. Pets and children usually feel symptoms first.

The only way to know if you’re being exposed to carbon monoxide is by using a carbon monoxide detector. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries every six months if possible. Purchasing a new unit may also be needed if batteries cannot be replaced. Detectors should be replaced every five to seven years. Take a moment to test your carbon monoxide detectors now.

Remember that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are different. Smoke alarms detect fire and smoke and will not tell you if there is carbon monoxide in the air. Combination detectors are safe to use and detect both smoke and carbon monoxide, but check the label to make sure your device specifically says "carbon monoxide" or "CO."

Follow these rules to safely use common sources of carbon monoxide:

  • Generators and fuel devices: Keep and use this kind of equipment outdoors ONLY, at least 25 feet away from open doors, windows and vents. Never use them inside, in garages or in carports.
  • Stoves and stovetops: Never heat your home with a gas range or oven. When you cook, use the range hood or open a window for ventilation. Never use camp stoves, grills or lanterns indoors.
  • Vehicles: Never leave a vehicle running in a garage or carport.
  • Furnaces, chimneys and gas appliances: Have them serviced annually.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get to fresh air immediately and call the Oregon Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. For medical emergencies, call 911.