NEWS RELEASE: Multnomah County will open cooling centers starting at noon Friday, Aug. 22, as part of ongoing heat response

NEWS RELEASE: Multnomah County will open cooling centers starting at noon Friday, Aug. 22, as part of ongoing heat response  

Chair Vega Pederson declares a state of emergency; three libraries will also extend hours of operation on Friday

Multnomah County, Ore. (Aug. 22, 2025) — Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson today declared a state of emergency due to dangerous temperatures this weekend — potentially exceeding 100 degrees. The emergency takes effect at noon today, Friday, Aug. 22, and will last through noon Monday, Aug. 25.

Multnomah County will open two daytime cooling centers from noon to 9 p.m. today, Friday, Aug. 22, and tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 23. The cooling centers will provide food and water. Pets are welcome. The Homeless Services Department will provide emergency street outreach services to bring supplies and cooling center information to people living outside. 

Cooling centers just one part of response; libraries and community resources open

Two cooling centers will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, and Saturday, Aug. 23:

• Multnomah County East, 600 N.E. 8th St., Gresham
• Stephen’s Shelter, 1432 S.W. 13th Ave., Portland

Three libraries will stay open two hours longer than their usual schedule Friday, Aug. 22, until 8 p.m., offering respite from the heat. 

• Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave., Portland
• Gresham Library, 385 N.W. Miller Ave., Gresham
• Midland Library, 805 S.E 122nd Ave., Portland

Cooling center flyers for Friday’s locations are available in English and Spanish. Always visit multco.us/hot for the latest information in case new locations are added or cooling centers open on additional days. 

From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and Saturday, TriMet won’t turn away anyone who is going to a cooling space and who cannot otherwise pay their fare. Please tell your bus operator that you’re heading to or from a cooling center.

Cooling centers and enhanced outreach are just one layer in the County’s response to hot weather. Overall, dozens of other cool spaces, including pools and splashpads, are listed on this Multnomah County interactive map. For additional help finding a cool space or for transportation assistance to a cooling location, dial 2-1-1.

Today, cool spaces like community centers, senior centers, government buildings and malls — including Lloyd Center — will also be open and welcoming visitors.

Ahead of the heat, Multnomah County conducts outreach, calling property managers and those most vulnerable to make sure they’re prepared. The County partners with community-based organizations including Meals on Wheels People, the Center for Positive Aging and others to spread the word about heat concerns and encouraging those without air conditioning to seek cooling spaces. 

The County has continued to conduct outreach to people experiencing homelessness and vulnerable clients like veterans and seniors, and has maintained work to contact building managers and community-based organizations.

Heat doesn’t affect everyone equally: Who’s most at risk?

Extreme heat can be deadly for anyone in spaces without air conditioning, and it does not affect everyone equally:

• Two out of every 3 people who have died because of extreme heat since 2021 were men over 50.
• Most lived alone and without air conditioning.
• Heat has also particularly affected veterans who may try to “tough out” a heat wave. Overall, veterans accounted for roughly half of all recent heat deaths. 

High temperatures can also be especially dangerous for people spending prolonged time outdoors, the very young, pregnant individuals, those over 50 and people with health conditions. 

Officials warn that the cumulative days of heat with such little overnight cooling — especially in apartments with no air conditioning — will increase risk especially for people who are homebound, elderly, have a disability or underlying health conditions.

Stay informed and check on your community

If you are concerned someone is in heat distress, ask if they need help finding a cool space.

Heat illness requires action and possibly medical attention. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you're not comfortable approaching someone, call the City of Portland’s non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 and request a “welfare check.” For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1.

• Help for When it's Hot: Latest information from the County on cooling centers, health and safety.
• 211 Info: Call to find the nearest cooling center and for transportation support.
• Public Alerts: Sign up to receive safety alerts in your area.
• National Weather Service: Check the forecast and plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of day.
• Aging and Disability Resource Connection: 24-hour information and assistance to older people, people with disabilities and caregivers. Connect with them at 503-988-3646 or adrc@multco.us.

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