Spokane has a regional network of spaces and resources available for use by those needing a safe place to spend the night or day from the elements during emergencies. Those include shelter for single adults, families, young adults, and youths during days and nights, libraries during business hours, drinking fountains and splash pads and pools.
Space is available on a night-by-night drop-in basis except where noted below. A service-intensive program to rapidly move individuals into housing requiring a referral and day space are also part of the regional system detailed below. Shelters update space available on the Shelter Me Spokane website.
Public transportation is provided by Spokane Transit Authority, which has routes to and from resources during extreme weather. Additionally, The Salvation Army has vans that can meet people where they are at 24-7 and help them connect to local shelters. Call 509-280-6860 or 509-280-6894 for a ride.
Following is an overview of those resources.
Facilities: Currently, the City leverages citywide public libraries and park facilities and for cooling center spaces. As cooling center space is generally offered during daytime hours (finite amount of time), the City will continue to identify City-owned and already staffed facilities to leverage for cooling center space. Shelters update space available on the Shelter Me Spokane website.
Operators/staff: City parks and library staff who are already working in the City-owned facility spaces serve as the on-site coordinators for the cooling center spaces when activated, supported by community volunteers and other City staff who volunteer to support the operations.
Public communications: City communications puts out public messaging in anticipation of upcoming extreme hot weather, based on National Weather Service (NWS) briefings and related data. In addition, the City publicly shares information about the City-activated cooling center spaces and provides information about additional public spaces for cooling such as libraries, shelters, parks, pools, and splash pads in partnership with the Spokane Regional Health District. City communications uses mass (traditional and social media, web and other digital assets) and direct (community newsletter, provider outreach, flyers used by outreach teams) distribution channels. Cooling center activation information is published throughout the duration of the event to supplement the regular communication process identified above.
Public Transportation: Public transportation is provided by Spokane Transit Authority, which has routes to and from resources during extreme weather. STA will offer fare exceptions to riders going to a cooling space when the temperature is 95 degrees or above. If a passenger boards a bus and indicates they do not have fare payment, and that they are traveling to a cooling space, STA will allow them to ride for free. Additionally, The Salvation Army has vans that can meet people where they are at 24-7 and help them connect to local shelters. Call 509-280-6860 or 509-280-6894 for a ride.
ShadeMap is a free, interactive tool that helps people locate shaded areas throughout the day. Whether you’re planning a walk, bike ride, outdoor event, or work in the sun, ShadeMap lets you visualize when and where shade will be available, helping you stay cool and reduce heat exposure during recreation, travel, or work. Just search your location, adjust the date and time, and plan your route or activity around the shade.
Please visit the Shelter Me Spokane website for shelter space availability and information.
Navigation Center (527 S Cannon St, M-Sun: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Spokane Public Library Locations (M-TH: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., F:1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.) – CLOSED MLK day
Public communications: City communications puts out public messaging as early as possible during poor AQI events based on AirNow data. In addition, the City publicly shares information about supplementary indoor safer air spaces such as libraries and commerce centers. City communications uses mass (traditional and social media, web and other digital assets) and direct (community newsletter, provider outreach, flyers used by outreach teams) distribution channels. Cooling center activation information is promoted on the home page of my.spokanecity.org and promoted throughout the duration of the event to supplement the regular communication process identified above.
Public Transportation: Spokane Transit Authority has routes to and from resources during extreme weather. Additionally, The Salvation Army has vans that can meet people where they are at 24-7 and help them connect to local shelters. Call 509-280-6860 or 509-280-6894 for a ride.
Please visit the Shelter Me Spokane website for shelter space availability and information.
Navigation Center (527 S Cannon St, M-Sun: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Folks interested in volunteering to support the warming centers should reach out to the providers listed above.
Folks interested in donating items to support warming efforts are encouraged to drop off donations at the following locations during daytime hours:
Suggested donation items:
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