Multnomah County Declares Emergency, Opens Severe Weather Shelters In Response To Winter Storm

As forecasts predict potentially severe winter weather, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has declared a state of emergency, effective 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The declaration comes as county officials move to open emergency shelters to protect vulnerable residents from freezing temperatures, snow, and other hazardous conditions.

Beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, through at least noon Wednesday, February 5, the County will operate three severe weather shelters in partnership with local service providers. The shelters include Cook Plaza at 19421 S.E. Stark St. in Gresham, operated by Cultivate Initiatives; Hollywood Shelter at 1815 N.E. 43rd Ave. in Portland, operated by Transition Projects; and NW 14th Avenue Shelter at 600 N.W. 14th Ave. in Portland, operated by Do Good Multnomah. These shelters join the county’s nearly 3,000 year-round shelter beds, plus 200 additional winter-only beds at two Salvation Army shelters. As of Tuesday, space remained available for those seeking shelter.

Chair Vega Pederson emphasized the importance of opening additional shelters to ensure that everyone in need has access to warmth and safety during dangerous winter conditions. “Severe weather shelters save lives during the very coldest and harshest nights of the year,’’ she said. “Our goal with the additional shelter we open today is making sure that there’s a bed, comfort, and support for everyone who lacks a safe, warm, dry place.”

No one seeking shelter will be turned away. All sites will welcome pets and accommodate people with disabilities. Free transportation to shelters is available by calling 2-1-1 or using TriMet, which will waive fares for anyone traveling to or from a warming space. Those needing transportation should inform their bus operator that they are headed to a shelter.

Beyond providing emergency shelter, the Joint Office of Homeless Services has activated its enhanced outreach program to reach unsheltered individuals. Outreach teams will distribute life-saving supplies, including warm clothing, blankets, hand warmers, and tents. Since January 10, the County has provided outreach teams with 4,300 hand warmers, 864 hoodies, 864 pairs of sweatpants, 4,172 wool blankets, 848 sleeping bags, 5,160 pairs of socks, 2,580 gloves, 2,580 warm hats, 87,580 water bottles, and additional supplies to help those living outdoors.

Officials remain prepared to extend shelter operations if necessary, given uncertainties in weather forecasts. The National Weather Service models suggest conditions could range from heavy rain to snowfall, prompting officials to take an abundance of caution in their response. Winter weather poses significant dangers for people experiencing homelessness, as well as for older adults and individuals with disabilities who may struggle with extreme temperatures.

County officials urged residents to be proactive in checking on neighbors, especially those who may need assistance. “If you see someone in distress during colder conditions, such as an individual not dressed for the weather, please call the non-emergency response line at 503-823-3333 to request a welfare check,” officials advised. If someone’s life appears to be in danger, residents should call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Community members who want to help during the emergency can volunteer to support the county’s Disaster Resource Centers (DRCs), which provide shelter and resources to those in need. The county also encourages residents to donate essential winter items such as coats, blankets, and hand warmers through local nonprofit organizations and 211info’s winter donation site.

Multnomah County bases its severe weather emergency shelter activation on specific criteria, including forecast temperatures of 25°F (-4°C) or below, temperatures at or below 32°F (0°C) with at least one inch of rain and sustained winds over 10 mph, or snow accumulation of one inch or more over 24 hours. County officials continuously monitor weather patterns and meet daily with emergency management teams, health officials, and shelter providers to determine when additional services are necessary.

Even when temperatures do not meet the threshold for emergency shelter activation, the Joint Office of Homeless Services may issue a “cold weather alert,” which triggers enhanced outreach efforts to deliver supplies and check on unsheltered individuals. In these cases, outreach teams receive additional cold-weather gear and help coordinate shelter referrals for those in need.

As winter conditions continue to evolve, emergency managers and health officials are urging all community members to prepare, stay informed, and look out for one another. Checking in on neighbors, offering assistance to those in need, and staying updated on shelter availability are key steps in ensuring that no one is left out in the cold.