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INFORMATION ON THE 2009 EMERGENCY WARMING CENTERS COMING SOON!
PORTLAND, Ore. – For many of us, 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.
For the second year, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross is prepared to open emergency warming centers for this vulnerable population when severe weather strikes. The Red Cross anticipates being activated about 15 times this winter and serving up to 200 people each night that the centers are open.
“These emergency warming centers are all about saving lives,’” said Thomas Bruner, CEO of the Oregon Trail Chapter. “We know there are deaths each year due to exposure, and that people suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other complications. Providing a warm place to go on the coldest of nights fits perfectly with our commitment to saving and rebuilding lives – down the street, across the country and around the world.”
What Makes Warming Centers Different:
Red Cross emergency warming centers differ from other homeless shelters in several ways:
• Guests do not have to register to enter
• Singles, couples and families are all welcome
• Guests can come and go as they please throughout the night
• Pets are welcome as long as there is a kennel available
While the centers will provide mats and blankets for guests, as well as hot coffee and snacks, they differ from traditional Red Cross shelters in that beds, clothing and financial support will not be available.
Activation Requirements:
The City of Portland will alert the Oregon Trail Chapter when they have confirmed that weather conditions meet the requirements of emergency warming center activation. Notification should occur by 2 p.m. on the day in question.
Under DRY conditions
o 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below
o Three nights or more at 27 degrees Fahrenheit or below
Under WET conditions
o 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with sticking snow or rain
o 33-35 degrees Fahrenheit with heavy rain (.75” overnight)
o Freezing rain
Warming Center Locations:
When activated, emergency warming centers will be located at:
• The Estate Hotel, 225 NW Couch
• Portland Foursquare Church, 1303 SE Ankeny
Expected hours of operation will be 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
More Information:
To find out if the Red Cross emergency warming centers are operating:
• Call 211Info (2-1-1 from a land line or 503-222-5555)
• Call the Red Cross Info Line at 503-528-5990
• Visit www.oregonredcross.org
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In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disaster every 12 hours; provides 97 percent of Oregon's blood supply; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; provides transportation to seniors and the disabled; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join the conversation on our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.
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