Thurston County seeks donations as it expands shelter options due to frigid weather
Thurston County has moved to expand shelter capacity for vulnerable populations on Wednesday in response to below-freezing temperatures overnight this week.
The National Weather Service forecasts the Olympia area will experience temperatures in the low 20s each night from Wednesday to Saturday.
In response, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services issued a hazardous weather advisory that will be in effect through Saturday. Such advisories allow the county to increase shelter-in-place efforts and offer extended nightly shelter beds from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Extended nightly shelter beds will be available for single adults at Sergio’s Place at 3444 Martin Way E., according to a county news release.
Shelter options for single men and women will be available at Union Gospel Mission at 413 Franklin St. NE in downtown Olympia. Single men also may go to St. Michael Parish at 1208 11th Ave. SE.
Families with children may find shelter at Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place at 837 Seventh Ave. SE. Those ages 18 to 24 may go to Community Youth Services at 520 Pear St.
The county began distributing shelter-in-place survival gear to unsheltered communities earlier this week, the release says.
Anyone looking to donate useful items can drop them off at The United Churches of Olympia at 110 11th Ave. SE in Olympia. Donations will be accepted in the back parking lot of the church from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday.
The following items may be donated: 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 warm clothing.
Shelter volunteers also are needed, but to be eligible, one must have previously gone through Hazardous Weather Shelter Volunteer training run by Interfaith Works, the release says.
Those who can volunteer can sign up for shifts on the Interfaith Works website.
Anyone with questions about volunteer opportunities can contact Phoebe Crasher of Interfaith Works at phoebe.crasher@iwshelter.org or Keylee Marineau, Homeless Prevention and Affordable Housing Coordinator for Thurston County, at 360-490-5910 or Keylee.marineau@co.thurston.wa.us.
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.
