Multnomah County will open two daytime cooling centers on Thursday, Sept. 5, as temperatures are expected to soar to 100 degrees or more. County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has declared a state of emergency starting at 10 a.m. on Sept. 5 to ensure the safety of residents during this extreme heatwave.
The cooling centers, which provide a safe and cool environment for residents, will operate from noon to 9 p.m. at Cook Plaza (19421 S.E. Stark St., Gresham) and Portland Covenant Church (4046 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland). Both sites will be staffed by local organizations, Cultivate Initiatives and Do Good Multnomah, respectively.
TriMet has announced that no fares will be required for anyone traveling to or from a cooling center between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Thursday. Riders should inform their bus operator that they are heading to a cooling center. For those needing additional transportation support, assistance is available by calling 211.
To provide further relief from the heat, Multnomah County Library will extend hours at the Central (801 S.W. 10th Ave., Portland) and Gresham (385 N.W. Miller Ave., Gresham) branches until 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, the Bud Clark Commons Resource Center (650 N.W. Irving St., Portland) will stay open until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Despite the heat expected today, Sept. 4, temperatures will not be high enough to open cooling centers. Libraries will maintain regular hours, and conditions will be monitored to determine if cooling centers need to reopen on Friday, Sept. 6.
Multnomah County’s Department of County Human Services is actively reaching out to vulnerable populations, including those in older buildings without air conditioning, providing information on heat safety and available resources. The department is also distributing cooling kits through community-based organizations, focusing efforts in Gresham, Rockwood, and downtown Portland.
The Joint Office of Homeless Services has initiated expanded street outreach efforts in collaboration with mutual aid groups and community volunteers to distribute hot weather gear and coordinate services for those experiencing homelessness. This outreach will continue through at least Friday.
Health officials urge residents to protect themselves and others during the heatwave. Older adults, young children, and individuals with health conditions like heart disease are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The majority of those who died during the June 2021 heat dome and subsequent heatwaves in Multnomah County were men over 50, living alone without adequate cooling.
Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors and loved ones, especially those living alone or without access to cooling. To avoid heat-related illnesses, people should stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak temperatures, and take frequent breaks if outside. If someone shows signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or red, hot skin, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
For the latest updates on cooling centers and heat safety, visit the County’s website or call 211 for the nearest cooling center and transportation support. Residents can also sign up for public safety alerts to stay informed during the heatwave.
