Brian Coddington, Communications and Marketing Director 509.625.6740
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 4:31 p.m.
Updated 12/06/2023
As temperatures dip this week, the community is reminded to access various community resources to stay warm. Beginning Wednesday, and likely for the following few days, people can access the regional shelter system and City Library locations.
Shelter providers throughout the region are encouraged to continue providing space to those who need it up to their capacity. Shelter space availability is reported by providers at sheltermespokane.org, where resources are also listed. Providers are prepared to communicate within their network to utilize all available space and resources.
Overflow capacity will be available at the Trent Resource and Assistance Center on an as-needed basis with connectivity to other available system space as a first option when temperatures are predicted by the National Weather Service to be 32 degrees or lower and designated low-barrier shelter space was at 90 percent or greater during the previous night. The network of resources is available to anyone who needs a place to stay warm regardless of their housing situation.
“Spokane works together in times of need and our regional partners are coming together to do what they can to bring people indoors and connect them to services,” Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward said.
Recent improvements to the shelter system have included completion of a year-long remodel of the Volunteers of America’s Young Adult Shelter serving 18- to 24-year-olds with embedded behavioral health services that allows it to become a 24/7 facility and a pending move of VOA’s Crosswalk Youth Center for 13- to 17-year-olds from downtown to near Spokane Community College where educational opportunities await.
The Spokane Fire and Police departments along with Park Rangers will check on at-risk groups during the extreme cold and advise them of community resources.
The City continues to monitor National Weather Service Spokane data and will respond according to the level of severity designated in its Emergency Management protocols as conditions change.
Transportation
The Salvation Army, which operates TRAC, 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.
Daytime Resources
Individuals also have the option of utilizing libraries during regular business hours to get inside out of the elements and have access to wi-fi connectivity, restrooms, water, interactive play areas and warm space.
Spokane Public Library locations are open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday.
Area faith groups are also discussing potential ways to assist with those experiencing homelessness during the forecasted low temperatures.
What to Look For
Warning signs of hypothermia include: shivering/exhaustion; confusion/fumbling hands; memory loss/slurred speech; drowsiness and bright red, cold skin. If a person’s temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, they should seek medical attention immediately. Spokane Regional Health District offers guidance for extreme cold on its website.
Additional weather-related resources and information are available through:
Long Term Care of Eastern Washington is launching the Adopt-a-Neighbor volunteer snow removal assistance program for seniors in need and those with disabilities. The initiative seeks groups such as clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, community centers and schools in Spokane County. Individuals interested in participating will be paired with a group. To sign up, contact action@altcew.org or 509.960.7281. Learn more on the agency’s website.
