News advisory: Severe weather shelter open Dec. 10; donations of winter gear needed

December 10, 2017

(This post describes severe weather responses only for Sunday, Dec. 10. For the latest information about severe weather warming centers in Multnomah County, please visit here.)  

Donate winter gear this season.
In light of freezing, sustained windchills forecast tonight throughout Multnomah County, the Joint Office of Homeless Services will open severe weather emergency shelter beds for the first time this season.

Forecasts show temperatures at or below freezing, with sustained winds and windchills below 25 degrees. Anyone who needs a warm space should call 211 for information and to arrange transportation. Shelter will be available from 8:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.

No one who calls seeking shelter will be turned away. Severe weather centers accommodate individuals and couples, people in families, and pets and belongings. They do not require identification or any other documentation.

Providers are also renewing their call for donated winter gear in light of tonight’s forecast. Because it’s early in the season, many neighbors sleeping without shelter have not yet assembled all the gear they’ll rely on this winter to stay warm.

Please visit 211info.org/donations to see a specific list of winter gear and where it can be dropped off. Providers also have an online shopping list to make donating more convenient.

The following items are needed:

● Thick socks

● Waterproof/resistant gloves or mittens (preferably dark colors/black)

● Waterproof/resistant winter coats (men’s and women’s sizes)

● Sleeping bags and warm blankets

● Waterproof/resistant hats (preferably dark colors/black)

● Knit hats (preferably dark colors/black)

● Tarps (preferably brown, dark colors)

● Hand warmers

● Rain ponchos

The Joint Office of Homeless Services will continue to monitor weather conditions and open emergency warming centers as needed. Officials have worked with providers already this winter, before severe weather, to open hundreds of seasonal beds in Multnomah County that will be open nightly all winter long. Those beds are in addition to nearly 1,400 beds open year-round.

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 about whom you are concerned, such as not being dressed for the weather conditions, call police non-emergency (503) 823-3333 and request a welfare check for that person.

To assist someone in locating shelter and transportation to shelter, please call 211.

Multnomah County offers mental health crisis resources, at any hour, for anyone experiencing a crisis. ental 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.  

CONTACT: Communications Coordinator Denis Theriault, Joint Office of Homeless Services, denis.theriault@multco.us