Olympia offers warming shelter this week – pets can warm up too

Olympia is offering warming shelters this week in response to the county’s hazardous weather advisory.

Located at 201 Capitol Way N, and at the First Christian Church at 701 Franklin Street SE, the shelters offer warmth from the snow and ice that Thurston County warned will be expected for the week.

Open on Friday, December 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Capitol Way warming center also allows pets to be brought in by their owners from the cold, said the city in a Facebook post.

The center at the First Christian Church has been open since Monday evening and will continue operating until 8 a.m. this Friday,

“Overnight emergency shelter for people over 18 years old of all genders and their pets are welcome,” Interfaith Works’ flyer for the First Christian Church shelter said. “Couples stay together, pets must be leashed and in the control of their owners at all times.”

Donations

Meanwhile, the county is calling for donations for those affected by the extreme cold, asking for donations of the following:

• Large tarps
• Dry, warm clothes
• Toiletries
• Stroller covers
• Boot dryers
• Blankets
• Tents
• Shoes
• Non-perishable food
• Sleeping bags

Donations can be dropped off at the United Churches of Olympia at 110, 11^th Avenue SE, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until this Friday, December 23.

Questions and concerns can be addressed to Keylee Marineau at 360-867-2500 or at www.co.thurston.wa.us@thurstonhealth.