Volunteers, donations needed as cold snap prompts Thurston County to issue ‘code blue’
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services has issued a “Hazardous Weather” advisory — also known as a “code blue emergency” — for next week that will expand shelter capacity for people who are homeless, it announced Thursday.
The National Weather Service predicts possible snow and sub-freezing nighttime temperatures starting overnight Sunday for the Puget Sound area.
An advisory starting Monday evening and lasting through Friday morning puts a system in place for the county, city, and local advocacy and non-profit organizations to expand shelter services, according to a news release. The advisory also prompts the organizations to distribute “shelter-in-place” supplies such as blankets and water to people who are homeless and not able to leave their location.
In its release, the county advised that volunteers and donations of blankets, coffee, creamer, and snacks are needed. Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army shelter building, according to the Interfaith Works website.
People interested in volunteering should email Homeless and Affordable Housing Coordinator Keylee Marineau at keylee.marineau@co.thurston.wa.us or visit https://www.iwshelter.org/code-blue.html.
Shelter options during next week’s advisory are:
- For single men and women: Salvation Army, 808 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia
- For families with children: Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place, 837 Seventh Ave. SE, Olympia
- For youth ages 18 to 24: Community Youth Services, 520 Pear St. SE, Olympia
This story was originally published January 10, 2020 at 8:35 AM.
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