THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — More shelter beds are now available in Thurston County as temperatures are expected to reach below freezing levels through Saturday, Feb. 25.
According to a release from the county, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services issued a Hazardous Weather Advisory that will be in effect through Saturday. The advisory will allow the county to increase shelter-in-place efforts and offer extended nightly shelter beds from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
The National Weather Service forecasts the Olympia area will experience temperatures in the low 20s overnight from Wednesday to Saturday.
“It's just keeping people alive. To be honest, keeping them outside of the out of the elements. There are people who do pass because of being exposed to the elements, almost every hot or cold weather event that occurs. and so we we really try to do whatever we can to prevent unnecessary death,” said Keylee Marineau, Thurston County Homeless Response Regional Manager.
It's a need across western Washington but especially in Thurston county on any given night.
“All have our shelters typically run at capacity every night of the week,” said Marineau.
Here is a list of available shelters in Olympia:
- Union Gospel Mission: 413 Franklin Street NE; for single men and women
- St. Michael’s Parish: 1208 11th Avenue SE; for single men
- Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place: 837 7th Avenue SE; available for families with children
- Community Youth Services: 520 Pear Street SE; available for youth ages 18-24
- Sergio's Service Center: 3444 Martin Way E; available for anyone over 18 and their pets
According to the county, donations and volunteers are also needed.
The shelters are in need of food items like granola bars, tea, coffee, pastries, milk and cereal. They are also in need of supplies like blankets, hand warmers, toilet paper, paper towels, gloves, hats, scarfs and socks.
Donations will be accepted at United Churches of Olympia at 110 11th Avenue SE, Olympia from Wednesday, Feb. 22, through Friday Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop-off donations will be accepted in the back parking lot of the church building.
Volunteers can sign up for shifts at the Interfaith Works website.