By: Muz Afzal, Community Engagement Coordinator/ Small Grants Manager
As we move into the winter please keep in mind that a number of unsheltered and unhoused neighbors do not have access to a safe and warm space. Please familiarize yourself with the resources available to some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Please share this information with anyone you are concerned about during the winter.
According to this article in The Columbian, four people died of exposure in the first ten days of 2017 during the winter. As a community we must stay informed and prevent the same tragedy from happening in the upcoming winter season.
- To help someone locate shelter, including transportation to safe shelter, please call 211 or go to 211info.org.
- Did you know that all government buildings are open to people seeking to get warm when warming shelters are not open? This includes libraries and community centers.
- There are multiple winter and year-round warming centers. To access a list of warming centers and find information on donating and volunteering please click here.
- Did you know that you can sign up for text alerts about severe weather warnings? Just text the word PDXSHELTER to 898211.
- For a complete list of winter weather resources, updated news and safety guidelines, please click here for a thorough list from Multnomah County.
- If someone outside is unsheltered and their life could be in danger please call 9-1-1.
How can you go above and beyond in helping unsheltered community members? Please consider donating food, blankets or warm clothes to a shelter located in your neighborhood. You can also drop off donations at Transition Projects, Do Good Multnomah, Portland Homeless Family Solutions and Join. You can also donate to people directly if you see someone who is cold and in need of food and warmth, this is also a great way of getting to know your unhoused community members. Also, consider buying or making some hot coffee, tea or cocoa for an unhoused community member and continue sharing these resources with your neighbors.