PORTLAND, Ore. — With the Portland metro area experiencing cold temperatures and expected to plunge well below freezing on Thursday, local counties have declared emergencies and activated cold weather shelters for people without a warm place to stay.
The latest forecast from KGW chief meteorologist Matt Zaffino shows high temperatures in the low 20s on Thursday, with lows around 17 degrees. On top of that, it's expected to be wet, marked by sleet and freezing rain. Wind chill is a factor as well, though primarily closer to the Columbia River Gorge.
People caught outside in the cold for extended periods could truly be at risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
With that in mind, here are the cold weather shelters that Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties have made available:
The county and the City of Portland opened four different shelter locations as of 8 p.m. Wednesday night. They are expected to host about 300 shelter beds, and officials said that no one will be turned away:
- Portsmouth Union: 4775 N Lombard St., Portland
- Arbor Lodge: 1952 N Lombard St., Portland
- Sunrise Center: 18901 E Burnside St., Portland
- Oregon Convention Center: 960 NE 1st Ave., Portland
- Reynolds High School gym: 1698 SW Cherry Park Road, Troutdale (opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday)
In addition, 18 Multnomah County libraries will be open regular hours to offer daytime warming. And the new Behavioral Health Resource Center downtown will also provide warm space during the day.
For transportation, people can call 211 or ride TriMet to a warm space. TriMet has said that it will not turn away anyone traveling to or from a warm place who cannot afford to pay fare during the state of emergency. TriMet asked that riders to let their driver know they are headed to a warm place.
When riding transit during extreme weathers, plan extra time and check trimet.org/alerts before traveling, as there may be weather-related delays to service.
Washington County opened two shelters as of 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Shelters are expected to remain open 24 hours throughout the severe weather event. Hot meals are provided for guests, no one will be turned away, and domestic pets are okay:
- The Salvation Army Building: 1440 SE 21st Ave., Hillsboro
- Accessible via TriMet route numbers 57
- Shelter Operator: Project Homeless Connect
- Beaverton Community Center: 12350 SW 5th St., Beaverton
- Accessible via TriMet route numbers 52, 76, and 78
- Shelter Operator: Just Compassion
To help someone obtain transportation to a shelter location, you can call 503-846-4722. If someone outside is unsheltered and whose life appears to be in danger, call 911. Otherwise, if you see someone whom you are concerned during the cold weather, call the police non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 and request a welfare check.
Clackamas County has three cold weather shelters available, though they opened and will close at different times. They also each have some different rules and resources:
- Father's Heart Street Ministry: 603 12th St., Oregon City
- Contact at 503-722-9780
- Service pets (on leash or in carriers) are accepted.
- Open date/time: Tue., Dec. 20, 6:00 p.m.
- Close date/time: Sat., Dec. 24, 7:00 a.m.
- Molalla Hope Center: 209 Kennel Avenue, Molalla
- Dogs and other small pets in carriers are welcome, but check with the staff. Hot drinks available. Dinner is served around 7 p.m.
- Open date/time: Wed., Dec. 21, 8:00 a.m.
- Close date/time: Sat., Dec. 24, 8:00 a.m.
- Zoar Lutheran Church: 190 SW Third Ave., Canby
- Contact at 503-266-4061
- Dinner will be at about 5 to 6 p.m. There may be other activities at the church from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Dogs on leash and other small pets in carriers are welcome, but check with the staff.
- Open date/time: Wed., Dec. 21, 8:00 a.m.
- Close date/time: Fri., Dec. 23, 7:00 a.m.
There are several additional Clackamas County locations that are open 24/7 to get warm, but they do not have cots, mats or designated sleeping areas. They also do not allow pets other than service animals:
- AntFarm Cafe and Bakery (Sandy): 39140 Proctor Blvd., Sandy
- Open date/time: Wed., Dec. 21,12 p.m.
- Close date/time: Fri., Dec. 23, 3:00 p.m.
- AntFarm (Estacada): 350 SW Zobrist St., Estacada
Open date/time: Wed., Dec. 21, 12 p.m.
Close date/time: Fri., Dec. 23, 3:00 p.m.
During daytime hours, there are a number of Clackamas County libraries and community centers available for warming. Check out the county website for a full list.
