Code Blue hazardous weather declaration ratchets up support for homeless people in coming days

County, city and nonprofit organizations are mobilizing to provide services for homeless people throughout Thurston County as an eight-day “Hazardous Weather Advisory” warns of below-freezing temperatures starting this Saturday, Christmas Day.

Weather reports predict that temperatures will range from 14 degrees to 37 degrees Fahrenheit from Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, with freezing rain and snow during half of the period.

Warming Center

A daytime warming center will be available for those needing to get out of the cold during these days and hours:

• Sat., Dec. 25 – 3 to 8 p.m.
• Sun., Dec. 26 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Mon., Dec. 27 through Fri., Dec. 27 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Location:  201 N Capitol Way, downtown Olympia (the old fire station building)

The county reports that pets under the control of their owners will be allowed in the warming center.

Overnight shelters

Overnight shelter options are being expanded due to the weather and include:

• Union Gospel Mission (413 Franklin St NE in Olympia) for single men and women.
• Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place (837 7^th Ave. SE in Olympia) is available for families with children needing shelter
• Community Youth Services (520 Pear Street SE in Olympia) is available for youth ages 18-24. 

Donations sought

Interfaith Works is collecting and distributing supplies to individuals in need. The nonprofit organization requests that donations arrive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. only. Bring these to 110 11^th Ave. SE in Olympia.

Cash contributions always offer organizations flexibility and purchasing power leverage. Should you wish to contribute funds, click here. 

For those who prefer to shop and donate goods, the organization specifies the following items:

Food:

• Cup o' soups
• granola bars
• tea
• coffee
• decaf coffee
• creamer
• sugar
• pastries
• fruit
• cereal
• milk

Supplies:

• Blankets
• hand warmers
• toilet paper
• paper towels
• gloves
• hats
• scarfs
• socks (“no other clothing please!”)
• basic cleaning supplies
• bleach wipes
• vinyl un-powdered gloves size medium or large

More information, including potential opportunities to volunteer with Interfaith Works, is located at this website.