Posted
Due to dangerous conditions, Washington County has activated inclement weather shelters that will open their doors to anyone seeking shelter through the winter weather event. These beds supplement the Washington County emergency shelter program, which currently offers over 400 beds/rooms to meet a variety of household needs including families with children, veterans, youth, and medically fragile individuals.
Media are invited to visit Blanton Street severe weather shelter location in Aloha to film site preparation, interview Project Homeless Connect director: Kim Marshall, and interview Washington County Homeless Services Assistant Director: Jes Larson.
- Media Availability: January 18, 2025 from 3 to 4 p.m.
- Location: The Blanton Street Building (links to map of site), 20665 SW Blanton St., Beaverton OR 97078
RSVPs required by 1/18 at noon to allow adequate time for preparation. RSVP to [email protected] or 503-481-6489 (c/t).
Once open, shelter staff will not be available for interviews. Shelter locations will be closed to media to ensure staff and shelter guests are able to focus on meeting immediate needs during the winter weather event. Unhoused people seeking shelter should present in person at the locations listed below:
- Beaverton Community Center, 12350 SW 5th St
- Accessible via TriMet route numbers 52, 76, and 78
- Shelter Operator: Just Compassion
- Blanton Street Building, 20665 SW Blanton St
- Accessible via TriMet route number 57
- Shelter Operator: Project Homeless Connect
Special thank you to the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the City of Beaverton for the close coordination and use of their facilities.
Shelters will remain open 24 hours throughout the severe weather event. Hot meals are provided for guests, no one will be turned away, and pets are okay (be prepared to work with shelter staff as locations' individual pet policies may vary).
If someone outside is unsheltered and whose life appears to be in danger, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, if you see someone about whom you are concerned during cold weather call the police non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 and request a welfare check.
Inclement Weather Shelters may activate beds in coordination with Multnomah County and accept participants when:
- Forecasted temperature of 25° F (-3.9° C) or below; or
- Forecasted snow accumulations of 1.0 inch or more; or
- Forecasted temperature at or below 32° F (0° C) with driving rain of 1.0 inch or more overnight.
If forecasted weather continues to require activation of the Inclement Weather shelters, up to date information can be found here: wcor.us/SevereWeatherShelter.