Thurston County increases shelter options due to wintry, hazardous weather
Thurston County activated a hazardous weather response on Monday to increase shelter options for vulnerable populations.
Wintry conditions, including potential snowfall, will affect the region this week, according to the National Weather Service. In response, the county’s Public Health and Social Services department issue an advisory for below freezing nighttime weather patterns.
The advisory allows the county to offer extended nightly shelter beds from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. starting on Monday. These beds may continue to be available through Friday morning as long as staffing allows, according to a county news release.
Single adults can find extended overnight shelter beds at First Christian Church, which is located at 701 Franklin St. SE in Olympia. Single men and women can also find shelter options at Union Gospel Mission, which is located 413 Franklin St. NE.
Families with children may shelter at Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place at 837 Seventh Ave. SE in Olympia. Young adults between 18-24 may shelter at Community Youth Services at 520 Pear St. SE.
The county began distributing shelter-in place survival gear to unsheltered communities last week, per the release.
However, donations from the public are being accepted at the back parking lot of United Churches of Olympia, which is located at 110 11th Ave. Southeast. Donations can be dropped off 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday.
The following items may be donated: blankets, twin and 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 and mittens, hats and other warm clothing.
People may also volunteer at shelters. However, they must first go through an official training program administered by Interfaith Works.
Online training will be offered on Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. Individuals can register at https://www.iwshelter.org/volunteer.
Those have trained can sign up for volunteer shifts at https://www.iwshelter.org/code-blue.html.
The release says local government officials as well as advocacy and non-profit organizations have worked together as a Hazardous Weather Task Force to develop this response plan.
In addition to coordinating shelter options, the task force distributes shelter-in-place supplies, such as blankets and water, to people experiencing homelessness in the community.
