Emergency Warming Center 2010-11
 
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| Lise Harwin |
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January 4, 2011
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For the fourth year, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross is prepared to open an emergency warming center for Portland's homeless community if severe weather strikes.
When activated, the Red Cross Emergency Warming Center will be located at Imago Dei Community, 1302 SE Ankeny, and open to guests from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. The Red Cross anticipates activation about 14 times this winter, serving up to 150 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 crate available (crates are available for up to 40 pets, courtesy of Multnomah County Animal Services)
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. For more information, please call 211Info (2-1-1 from a land line or 503-222-5555).
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's Housing Bureau 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 in operation:
Tuesday, Jan. 11: 4-5:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 14: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 17: 10-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 19: 8-9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 25: 4-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 2: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Portland Housing Bureau coordinates and funds winter and severe weather shelter and day services for people experiencing homelessness in our community, including the Red Cross emergency warming center.
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