Thurston County rushes to shelter homeless amid weather emergency 

Posted

The Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department declared a hazardous weather advisory lasting through the weekend because of dangerously low temperatures. 

The  advisory, which was declared on Friday, Jan. 24, is in effect until 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 27.

However, the county indicated that the advisory could be extended depending on changing weather conditions and the capacity of shelter staff. 

Current extreme cold temperatures are dangerous for those without shelter,” the county stated in a press release on the issue.

Thurston County has strengthened its emergency shelter network to mitigate the risks and safeguard its most vulnerable residents. 

Emergency shelters open

Sergio’s Place, located at 3444 Martin Way NE, is open for unsheltered adults over the age of 18. Overnight accommodations are available on Friday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 26, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Pets are also welcome at this location. For more information, residents can call 360-706-2287. 

Pear Blossom Place, operated by the Family Support Center at 837 7th Ave. SE, is open 24/7 to families with children under 18 and pregnant individuals. All genders are welcome, as well as service animals are permitted. 

Rosie’s Place, at 520 Pear St. SE, is open nightly from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. for youths and young adults ages 24 and under. Daily sign-ups begin at 9:00 a.m. by calling 360-918-7879. 

Additionally, Union Gospel Mission at 413 Franklin St. NE #A offers nightly accommodations for single adults of all genders. Meals are served daily, with lunch from 11 a.m. to noon and dinner from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

For individuals requiring services at Interfaith Works Shelter at Unity Commons, located at 161 Pattison St. NE, the shelter is open 24/7 to single adults, couples and pets. It prioritizes women, individuals over 50 and people with disabilities. Access is available by calling the intake line at 1-844-628-7343. 

Cold weather seasonal shelters include St. Michael’s Parish and Sacred Heart, which accommodates single men from Nov. 1 to March 31. Individuals must call 360-870-9613 for intake, as walk-ins are not permitted. 

Support for unsheltered populations 

To further assist homeless individuals during hazardous weather, the Olympia Mutual Aid Partners has increased its distribution of survival supplies. 

The group is actively seeking contributions of essential cold-weather supplies, including blankets, single and twin bed sheets, ramen, nonperishable food items, instant coffee, creamer, hot beverages (tea or chocolate), disposable cups and utensils, socks, long johns, underwear, tarps, ponchos, hand warmers, sleeping bags, tents, gloves, mittens, hats and warm apparel. 

Donations can be dropped off at Sergio’s Place, 3501 Mary Elder Rd NE, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Community members are reminded to avoid parking along Martin Way when delivering donations to Sergio’s Place. 

For more information, residents can contact the Thurston County Shelter Hotline at 1-844-628-7343 or view the full shelter list at bit.ly/ThurstonShelters.

Comments

4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • Bigjules

    It’s still cold during the day.

    Where to then?

    Saturday, January 25 Report this

  • Boatyarddog

    Still needing a Warming Shelter.

    Saturday, January 25 Report this

  • BevBassett

    Obscenely unequal distribution of wealth in America. Profoundly shameful that we have homeless people at all. Period.

    Sunday, January 26 Report this

  • Boatyarddog

    Thank you Beverly B.

    Its SO OBVIOUSLY TRUE.

    Sunday, January 26 Report this