For many of us, this weekend's frigid temperatures mean curling up at home with a cozy fire and cup of hot cocoa. But for Portland's homeless community, extreme winter weather can mean hypothermia or even death.
Starting today, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross has agreed to take the lead on opening emergency warming centers for this vulnerable population whenever the thermometer s. Two Red Cross centers are expected to open for the first time this weekend. On Friday, Nov. 30, the Estate Hotel at 225 NW Couch will be open from 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. On Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2, both the Estate Hotel and St. Francis of AssisiChurch at 330 SE 11th will be open from 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. All locations will maintain an open door policy.
While the emergency warming centers will provide safe respite from the cold and hot coffee or soup, they differ from traditional Red Cross shelters in that clothing and financial support will not be available. The City of Portland will alert the Oregon Trail Chapter when they believe conditions require the center activation. These circumstances include:
- Under DRY conditions
- 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below, including consideration of the wind chill factor
- Under WET conditions
- 35 degrees Fahrenheit or below, including consideration of the wind chill factor AND
- Any snow/freezing rain/sleet OR
- 1” or more of rain within 12 hours
- Other combinations of weather conditions that place homeless persons at risk of loss of life or serious negative health consequences.
The Red Cross anticipates being contacted anywhere from ten to 20 times each winter and serving from 150 to 200 people each night that the centers are open.
“The mission of the American Red Cross states that we ‘help people respond to emergencies,’” said Thomas Bruner, CEO of the Oregon Trail Chapter. “While an emergency for many local families might be a house burning down, for a person living on the street, 25 degree temperatures during a wet Oregon winter can be a serious emergency as well.”
While the emergency warming centers are a new venture for the Oregon Trail Chapter, similar concepts have been employed by Red Cross chapters across the country, particularly in the Midwest where inclement weather is a regular occurrence. Local partners in this project currently include the City of Portland, Portland Business Alliance, Cascadia Behavioral Health, Central City Concern and St. Francis of Assisi.
For more information, contact the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross at 503-284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org.
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Local Oregon Trail Chapter volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters an average of every 40 hours. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org.
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