In response to the frigid temperatures, Washington County has initiated its severe weather protocol, activating additional shelter space to accommodate anyone in need during the winter conditions. The county currently offers more than 400 beds and rooms designed to serve various populations, including families with children, veterans, youth, and the medically vulnerable.
Local media were given the opportunity to visit the Blanton Street shelter in Aloha for coverage before the location commences its service in earnest. Details released by Washington County Government on January 18 outlined a single hour window, from 3 to 4 p.m., during which the media could film site preparation and interview key figures such as Kim Marshall, director of Project Homeless Connect, and Jes Larson, the county's Homeless Services Assistant Director. However, with staff engaged in providing services, once the doors opened, interviews were no longer on the table. Media seeking to RSVP were instructed to contact Emily Roots at Washington County via email at [email protected] or by phone at 503-481-6489, confirming their attendance by noon on the day of the media availability.
Individuals needing shelter can turn to the Beaverton Community Center and the Blanton Street Building, both of which are accessible by TriMet public transportation. These locations are operated by Just Compassion and Project Homeless Connect, respectively. In the midst of this emergency, Washington County expressed its gratitude to the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the City of Beaverton for their collaboration and use of the facilities.
During the severe weather event, shelters are to remain open 24 hours a day, offering guests hot meals, and no one seeking shelter will be turned away, including those with pets—although shelter staff may need to navigate individual site pet policies. For any person spotted outdoors and potentially at risk, the public is advised to either call 9-1-1 or, for non-emergencies, to request a welfare check by calling the police non-emergency number at 503-629-0111.
The activation of the inclement weather shelters takes into account various weather forecasts, including temperatures of 25°F or lower, snow accumulation of at least 1.0 inch, or when temperatures are at or below 32°F with 1.0 inch or more of driving rain overnight. Continuous updates regarding the status of the severe weather shelters are made available through the county's website, where the latest information can be found for those needing assistance or looking to help others seeking shelter. For the most up-to-date information, visit Washington County's severe weather shelter information page.
