Washington County has put into effect an emergency response for its residents as severe weather conditions prompt the activation of extra shelter spaces, becoming a haven for those in need during these frigid times. This critical activation, which started today at 2 p.m., sees the county augmenting its emergency shelter program — already offering more than 400 beds and rooms with services catering to various groups including families with children, veterans, youth, and individuals with medical vulnerabilities, reported Washington County's official website.
Those without a place to call home during the winter weather event are urged to present in person at designated shelter locations, specifically Beaverton Community Center and Blanton Street Building, each facility has unique accessibility by TriMet transportation the Beaverton Community Center is reachable using route numbers 52, 76, and 78 and the Blanton Street Building is accessible via route number 57 and 88; what's more is each location is operated by notable organizations Just Compassion and Project Homeless Connect, with a tip of the hat to the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the City of Beaverton for their cooperative efforts in making these places available.
Concerns for the wellbeing of those still outside can be directed appropriately depending on urgency; for imminent danger, the call to action is 9-1-1, for non-urgent situations, individuals are recommended to ring the non-emergency police number at 503-629-0111 to request a welfare check, the triggers for these severe weather shelters hinge on specific weather benchmarks including a temperature forecast of 25° F or below snow accumulation expectation of at least 1.0 inch or even when temperatures hold at or below freezing with an onslaught of driving rain overnight of an equivalent amount, these standards are outlined by the Washington County Department of Housing Services, which may also give weight to other factors that amplify community risk during extreme weather such as availability of public transit and services or other conditions like wind chill and ice.
For the latest updates on shelters, the public can visit wcor.us/SevereWeatherShelter. Shelter status may change depending on the weather.
