Thurston County steps up to help homeless during cold snap. Here’s how you can help
Thurston County has issued a hazardous weather advisory as nighttime temperatures plunged below freezing.
The advisory started Wednesday and will last through Friday, according to a county news release. With this advisory, the county’s Public Health and Social Services department is moving to increase shelter-in-place efforts and offer extended overnight shelter beds between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. The effort is led by the so-called Hazardous Weather Task Force, which includes county, city and non-profit organizations.
Residents can expect some of the coldest temperatures of the season the rest of the week. The county’s advisory comes in response to a National Weather Service forecast indicating overnight temperatures will fall to the low 20s throughout the Puget Sound region through Saturday.
Overnight shelter beds for single adults 18 and older will be made available at First Christian Church at 701 Franklin St. SE in Olympia, per the release. Shelter for single persons also can be found at the Union Gospel Mission at 413 Franklin St. NE in Olympia and single men with proof of vaccination can go to St. Michael’s Parish on 1208 11th Ave. SE.
Families with children can shelter at Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place at 837 Seventh Ave. SE in Olympia. Meanwhile, youth ages 18-24 can shelter at Community Youth Services at 520 Pear St. SE.
Survival gear for those sheltering in place will be distributed among unsheltered communities throughout the week.
People interested in donating can bring items to 108 State St. in Olympia from 10 a.m. to noon through Friday, according to the release.
Acceptable items include blankets, twin/single bed sheets, ramen, non-perishable snacks, hot drinks, utensils, disposable cups, sleeping bags and warm clothing.
Those who wish to volunteer at shelters can contact Keylee Marineau at 360-490-5910.
This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 1:47 PM.
