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PORTLAND, Ore. – For the third year, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross will open an emergency warming center for Portland's homeless community when severe weather strikes.
The Red Cross anticipates being activated about 15 times this winter and serving up to 300 people each night.
What Makes A Warming Center Different:
A Red Cross emergency warming center differs from other homeless shelters in several ways:
- There is no check-in/registration required
- 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 center will provide mats and blankets for guests, as well as hot drinks it differs from traditional Red Cross shelters in that beds, food, clothing and financial support will not be available.
Note: Because this is a short-term location with no storage capacity, the Emergency Warming Center is not able to accept donations of blankets or clothing. Several year-round shelters are in need of these items; the community is urged to bring donations to these facilities.
Activation Requirements:
The Red Cross emergency warming center is designed to serve as an "overflow site," operating only in extreme weather and when other homeless shelter beds are filled.
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:
- A single night at 22 degrees Fahrenheit or below
- Three consecutive nights at 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below
- 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below and sustained wind of 15 mph
Under WET conditions:
- 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with 1 inch forecast accumulation of precipitation
- 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with sustained winds of 15 mph
- 1 inch of snow on the ground over most of Portland
More Information:
To find out if the Red Cross emergency warming center is 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
To volunteer, visit www.oregonredcross.org/EWCvolunteer. Orientations are currently scheduled for:
Monday, Jan. 18
10:30 a.m.-12: 30 p.m.
Oregon Trail Chapter
3131 N. Vancouver Ave. |
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