What is the Hazard Weather Shelter Plan?
Thurston County coordinates the Hazard Weather Shelter Plan (aka the Winter Weather Response Plan for Winter: 2018 – 2019), intended to provide shelter and other accommodations for unhoused citizens during episodes of extreme weather. Such weather is defined in the Plan to include: deep freezes, wind storms, floods, earthquakes and other life-threatening hazardous conditions. This means providing shelter for people not in the regular year-round shelter system or the Cold Weather System that runs every night from November 1st – March 30th. This Hazard Shelter Plan is intended to accommodate people who might not survive in outdoor camps, doorways or cars.
CODE BLUE DECLARED 2/10/21-2/14/21
Thurston County Public Health has declared a code blue emergency starting 10am Wednesday Feb. 10th, and ending at 8am Sunday Feb. 14th, for temperatures dropping below 30 degrees and prediction of snow in the forecast. There will be a daytime warming center, and additional overnight shelter space for up to 15 people. This will available until the temperatures rise or if there is insufficient staffing.
It will be hosted in two locations:
Daytime Warming Center
The Olympia Center
222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
10am-3pm, Wed. 2/10, Thurs. 2/11, Fri. 2/12
Overnight Overflow Shelter
First Christian Church
701 Franklin St. SE Olympia, WA 98501
6pm-8am, Wed. 2/10, Thurs. 2/11, Fri. 2/12, Sat. 2/13
It will be hosted in two locations:
Daytime Warming Center
The Olympia Center
222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
10am-3pm, Wed. 2/10, Thurs. 2/11, Fri. 2/12
Overnight Overflow Shelter
First Christian Church
701 Franklin St. SE Olympia, WA 98501
6pm-8am, Wed. 2/10, Thurs. 2/11, Fri. 2/12, Sat. 2/13
Who/What/When -- Daytime Warming Center
WHO: Anyone in need of daytime shelter. There will be at least two paid staff. Hosted by the City of Olympia and supported by Catholic Community Services, Interfaith Works, and the Thurston County Office of Homeless and Affordable Housing.
WHAT: Daytime shelter at the Olympia Center. Cars and RV parking not available, tent camping not available, pets ok, no carts or bikes inside the building, no open flames, no drugs or alcohol on site, no prepared meals outside of the regularly scheduled community kitchen, but there will be snacks. Masks and COVID screening required. No violence, respect yourself and everyone else and we will do the same!
WHEN: Wednesday Feb. 10th, 10am - Friday Feb. 12th, 3pm
WHAT: Daytime shelter at the Olympia Center. Cars and RV parking not available, tent camping not available, pets ok, no carts or bikes inside the building, no open flames, no drugs or alcohol on site, no prepared meals outside of the regularly scheduled community kitchen, but there will be snacks. Masks and COVID screening required. No violence, respect yourself and everyone else and we will do the same!
WHEN: Wednesday Feb. 10th, 10am - Friday Feb. 12th, 3pm
Who/What/When -- Overnight Overflow Shelter
WHO: Any adults over 18 years of age in need of overnight shelter. There will be at least two paid staff. Hosted by Interfaith Works and the Thurston County Office of Homeless and Affordable Housing.
WHAT: Overnight shelter at the First Christian Church in the upstairs room "K Hall". Cars and RV parking not available, tent camping not available, pets ok, mats on teh floor, couples can stay together, no carts or bikes inside the building, no open flames, no drugs or alcohol on site, no prepared meals outside of the regularly scheduled community kitchen, but there will be snacks. Masks and COVID screening required. No violence, respect yourself and everyone else and we will do the same!
WHEN: Wednesday Feb. 10th, 6pm - Sunday Feb. 14th, 8am
WHAT: Overnight shelter at the First Christian Church in the upstairs room "K Hall". Cars and RV parking not available, tent camping not available, pets ok, mats on teh floor, couples can stay together, no carts or bikes inside the building, no open flames, no drugs or alcohol on site, no prepared meals outside of the regularly scheduled community kitchen, but there will be snacks. Masks and COVID screening required. No violence, respect yourself and everyone else and we will do the same!
WHEN: Wednesday Feb. 10th, 6pm - Sunday Feb. 14th, 8am
Donations NEEDED!
Food: Cup o' soups, granola bars, tea, coffee, decaf coffee, creamer, sugar, pastries, fruit, cereal, milk, etc.
Supplies: Blankets, hand warmers, toilet paper, paper towels, gloves, hats, scarfs, socks (no other clothing please!), basic cleaning supplies, bleach wipes, vinyl un-powdered gloves size medium or large.
DROP OFF: Please drop off donations starting Wednesday 2/10 after 7pm directly to the First Christian Church upstairs: 701 Franklin Street. SE Olympia, WA 98501. Please drop off CODE BLUE donations between 7pm-9pm ONLY
Supplies: Blankets, hand warmers, toilet paper, paper towels, gloves, hats, scarfs, socks (no other clothing please!), basic cleaning supplies, bleach wipes, vinyl un-powdered gloves size medium or large.
DROP OFF: Please drop off donations starting Wednesday 2/10 after 7pm directly to the First Christian Church upstairs: 701 Franklin Street. SE Olympia, WA 98501. Please drop off CODE BLUE donations between 7pm-9pm ONLY
DUE TO COVID WE CANNOT HAVE VOLUNTEERS THIS TIME AROUND, UNFORTUANTELY. We love you, and appreciate you!
What Volunteers Do
Volunteering at one of the Hazard Weather Shelter sites involves helping with Set-up or Clean-up shifts each day. The Set-up shift is 7:30pm to 11pm, and the Clean-up shift is 6:30am to 7:30am or until the cleaning is done. Paid staff are scheduled for the overnight shift 6:30pm-6:30am. However, if you are willing and able to volunteer overnight -- please let us know because we will likely need that support as well. Volunteers provide a warm and welcoming place for people to come in from the hazardous weather and help assist the trained staff however they need it. Basic safety rules will keep everyone safe.
Need More Info?
For More Information, Please contact:
Thurston County Homeless and Affordable Housing Coordinator: Keylee Marineau @ keylee.marineau@co.thurston.wa.us
THANKS FOR STEPPING UP TO HELP SHELTER OUR HOUSELESS NEIGHBORS!
Thurston County Homeless and Affordable Housing Coordinator: Keylee Marineau @ keylee.marineau@co.thurston.wa.us
THANKS FOR STEPPING UP TO HELP SHELTER OUR HOUSELESS NEIGHBORS!
