SEATTLE — This is the first year the new King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) has been in charge of coordinating severe weather response, and it's been a busy season already for the activation of cold weather shelters.
They'll be open as King County undergoes another snap of cold temperatures and the potential for some lowland snow.
The Salvation Army, which helps to operate additional shelters during activations, says it's already been a busy season, with severe weather starting earlier than in prior years and with activations spanning longer durations of time.
"We have to make sure we love people through the cold weather and make sure they have a safe place to stay," said Major Jonathan Harvey, King County Coordinator for The Salvation Army.
The agency says in terms of historical precedence, it has already exceeded the amount of cold weather shelter activation days from 2021.
"There's a protocol in place so when there's an activation necessary, communication goes out to the providers and we make sure we have staff and beds in place and everything that's necessary," Major Harvey said.
The Salvation Army says in 16 shelter nights at contracted severe weather shelters, it has provided over 800 shelter stays and over 1,600 meals.
The KiCRHA says it's been getting the word out about shelter locations in coordination with the Lived Experience Coalition, service providers, church congregations and other people in community with unhoused neighbors.
When daily high temperatures are expected to be at 40 degrees or below and daily low temperatures are expected to be at 35 degrees or below for three days KCRHA opens emergency shelters, including 24/7 shelters and night-by-night shelters.
When daily high temperatures are predicted to be 35 degrees or below and low temperatures are predicted to be 30 degrees or below for a single day, KCRHA also provides transportation to shelters, storage of belongings and food distribution to shelters.
At that level of activation, KCRHA also works with jurisdictions to open libraries, city halls and other sites to operate as day centers. If snow is predicted, the housing authority also provides hotel vouchers.