Multnomah County connects local residents with health and human services all year round, but during the winter and especially during times of particularly cold weather, extra services are available for those in need. From warming centers to clothing drives, Multnomah County partners with other local government and community organizations to provide people with everyday essentials, like food, clothing and shelter.
Recently the Board of Commissioners kicked off the 2011 Food and Clothing Drive, which will collect non-perishable food and warm clothing through Feb. 4. This drive, which benefits the Oregon Food Bank and the Children’s Community Clinic, aims to bring food and necessary winter clothes to families despite the end of the holiday season. Last year one ton of food and six truckloads of clothing were gathered during this drive. Find out which of the 10 donation sites is nearest to you.
In the coming weeks, the Portland Housing Bureau will conduct its biennial Homeless Street Count in Multnomah County. The count conducted in 2009 revealed that 1,600 people were living on the street or in their cars, an 11 percent increase from the count completed two years before. The count includes people sleeping in camps, cars or abandoned buildings, as well as those staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing, motels and those who receive rent assistance who might be on the street without the financial help. If you are interested in volunteering to help with the Homeless Street Count, get more information here.
An important resource available to members of the community through all weather situations is 211info, which connects people living in Oregon and Southwest Washington with relief services. By collaborating with Multnomah County and other local government, 211info collects the most current information regarding warming centers, day and night shelters and meal services for homeless, elderly or disadvantaged people. During especially cold nights, outreach workers and emergency responders help direct those who have not yet been connected with a shelter. Dial 2-1-1 (between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.) to get the most recent information. To support community access to critical information in times of crisis, donate to 211info.
For complete information regarding day and overnight warming centers, visit 211info.org. Three winter warming centers are open seven nights a week through March 31st, 2010:
- Family warming center: 12505 NE Halsey St. Walk-in facility for families with children under 18.
- Women’s warming center: Check in at Transition Projects, 475 NW Glisan, between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. to reserve a space for the night. Call 503-823-4930 to check availability. Only for single women.
- Men’s expanded shelter: Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW 2nd and Ankeny, between 7:30pm and 7:30am. Call 503-239-1259. Provides seating and hot beverages. Only for single men.