CONTACT: Renae Miller, Public Information Specialist, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, (360) 463-0362 or renae.miller@co.thurston.wa.us 

OLYMPIA – The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for below-freezing nighttime weather patterns in the Puget Sound beginning Wednesday, February 22 through Wednesday, March 1, 2023. 

In response, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is extending our “Hazardous Weather” advisory to increase shelter-in-place efforts and offer extended nightly shelter beds starting on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, running nightly from 8pm through 8am, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. 

Extended overnight shelter beds will be provided for single adults over the age of 18 at Sergio’s Place located at 3444 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98506, starting on Wednesday night. Shelter-in-place survival gear distribution in unsheltered communities began during the week of February 21, 2023, and will continue throughout the week until March 1, 2023.

County, City, and local advocacy and non-profit organizations have been working together as the Hazardous Weather Task Force (HWTF) to address harsh weather conditions and its effects on vulnerable unsheltered populations. The HWTF developed the hazardous weather response model to be enacted during extremely cold or hazardous weather conditions. 

During a hazardous weather response, organizations, including HWTF members, take special measures to keep people who are homeless safe by expanding shelter services to accommodate the increased need. In addition, the HWTF is empowered to distribute shelter-in-place supplies, such as blankets and water, to those in the homeless community who are unable to leave their location. 

During this hazardous weather activation period, shelter options are available at the Union Gospel Mission, 413 Franklin St NE, Olympia for single men and women. St. Michael’s Parish for single men through Sidewalk. Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place, 837 7th Ave. SE, Olympia, is available for families with children needing shelter, and Community Youth Services, 520 Pear Street SE, Olympia, is available for youth ages 18-24.  

Donations of blankets, twin/single bed sheets, ramen, non-perishable snacks, coffee, creamer, hot tea, hot chocolate, disposable cups and utensils, socks, long johns, underwear, tarps, ponchos, hand warmers, sleeping bags, tents, gloves/mittens, hats, warm clothing are needed. Donations will be accepted at United Churches of Olympia at 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia Wednesday, February 22, 2023, through Wednesday, March 1, 2023, from 10am – 4pm. Drop-off donations will be accepted in the back parking lot of the church building.

Volunteers will be needed. Volunteers for the shelter must have previously gone through an official Hazardous Weather Shelter Volunteer Training via Interfaith Works. For more information on volunteer opportunities please contact phoebe.crasher@iwshelter.org, or Keylee Marineau at 360-490-5910, or Keylee.marineau@co.thurston.wa.us. Sign up for volunteer shifts at https://www.iwshelter.org/code-blue.html.

For more information about homelessness in Thurston County, visit: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/bocc/Pages/homelessness.aspx.

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