Four overnight cooling shelters and one daytime cooling center opening Tuesday, July 26, in Portland and Multnomah County will now remain open through Thursday morning, July 28, as forecasts this week continue to show scorching daytime temperatures with little relief at night.
The City of Portland and Multnomah County are continuing to monitor weather forecasts, with a plan to keep cooling services available as long as forecasts indicate they are necessary. The County and City are also preparing to add additional cooling sites as needed to ensure no one is turned away.
Overnight cooling shelters will open Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the following locations and remain open 24 hours:
- Charles Jordan Community Center: 9009 N. Foss Ave., Portland
- East Portland Community Center: 740 S.E. 106th Ave., Portland
- Portland Building: 1120 S.W. 5th Ave., Portland
- Sunrise Center (staffed by Cultivate Initiatives): 18901 E. Burnside, Portland
A daytime cooling center will be open Tuesday, from 2 to 10 p.m., and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.:
- Old Town (staffed by Do Good Multnomah): 435 N.W. Glisan St., Portland
The four overnight shelters will provide space for roughly 250 guests. Cooling shelters and cooling centers provide food and water, and safe, air-conditioned places to rest or sleep. Pets are also welcome. Watch this video about what to expect in cooling centers.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, staff and guests will be required to wear masks. Staff will work to accommodate guests who might need assistance with wearing a mask. KN95 masks will be available onsite.
Transportation
During this emergency, TriMet will not turn away anyone riding to a cool place who cannot afford to pay fare. TriMet asks riders to let their driver know they are headed to a cool place.
When riding transit during extreme heat, riders will want to plan extra time and check trimet.org/alerts before traveling, as there may be heat-related delays to service.
Anyone who needs transportation support to a cool space can also dial 2-1-1.
Other cool spaces
Libraries
Many libraries will be open until 8 p.m., including Central Library. Two locations will remain open until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday:
- Gresham: 385 N.W. Miller Ave., Gresham.
- Holgate: 7905 S.E. Holgate Blvd., Portland.
Find the most up-to-date hours for these and all other locations on the Multnomah County Library website.
Misting stations
The City of Portland will host misting stations from noon to 8 p.m., today through Friday, at six parks. Stop by or sign up to volunteer:
- East Portland Community Center: 740 S.E. 106th Ave. (Sign up to volunteer)
- Glenhaven Park, near skate park: 7900 N.E. Siskiyou St. (Sign up to volunteer)
- Harney Park, near restroom: S,E, 67th Ave. and S,E, Harney St. (Sign up to volunteer)
- Knott Park, west restroom: N.E. 112th Ave. and N.E. Russell St. (Sign up to volunteer)
- Lents Park, at Walker Stadium: 4808 S.E. 92nd Ave. (Sign up to volunteer)
- Mt. Scott Community Center: 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave. (Sign up to volunteer)
Find pools, community centers and other cool community spaces on the County’s interactive map.
Water safety
As temperatures rise, rivers and lakes may offer relief from the heat.
For those playing in or around the water, please wear a life jacket. Life jackets may be borrowed for free at many destinations and boat ramps across Multnomah County, including at the M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp near Broughton Beach, Dabney State Park, Blue Lake Park, Oxbow Park and Glenn Otto Park.
Lifeguards are present at Glenn Otto Park. Lifeguards can show visitors the safest place to swim and can also help people select a life jacket that fits best.
Bookmark these links
2-1-1info: Dial 2-1-1 to find cool spaces nearest you, learn about open cooling centers, and for transportation support.
National Weather Service: Check the forecast and plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of day.
Cool places in Multnomah County: Find a library, community center, pool or splash pad near you.
Cool places in Clackamas County: Find cool spaces in Clackamas County.
Cool places in Washington County: Find cool spaces in Washington County.
