Thurston County Extends Hazardous Weather Response

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Submitted by Thurston County Board of County Commissioners

The National Weather Service has issued new forecasting that predicts below freezing weather patterns in the Puget Sound area through February 17, 2019. In response to this predicted weather pattern, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is extending the “code blue” advisory at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2019 until further notice. The County will assess weather and resources every 72 hours.

During a “code blue”, organizations, including Hazardous Weather Task Force members, take special measures to keep people who are homeless safe by expanding shelter services to accommodate the increased need, offering transportation to shelter for those people in outlying areas, and by offering survival supplies to those who choose to remain outside the shelter system.

“It’s the generosity of our community that make additional shelter a possibility,” said Keylee Marineau, the Thurston County Homeless Prevention Coordinator. “However, providing extra shelter beds in our community for an extended period of time is dependent on the availability of trained volunteers and staff from our partnering agencies. In the event that the extra shelter beds are not possible, we will distribute survival goods to those who remain outside the shelter system.”

During this code blue activation period, expanded shelter options are available at the Salvation Army, 1505 4th Ave. E. Olympia for single men and women. Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place, 837 7th Ave. SE, Olympia, is available for families with children needing shelter and Community Youth Services, 520 Pear Street SE, Olympia, is available for youth ages 18-24.  Trained volunteers will be providing transportation to shelter, and supplies in cities as well as in outlying areas.

Volunteers and donations of blankets, coffee, creamer, cup of soups, and other snacks are needed. Items can be dropped off at the Salvation Army at, 1505 4th Ave. E.  Olympia, after 8:00 p.m. during the “code blue” activation. For volunteer opportunities please visit, https://www.iwshelter.org/code-blue.html or email Keylee Marineau at keylee.marineau@co.thurston.wa.us.

For more information call Thurston County’s Coordinated Entry Shelter and Housing Hotline at 1-844-628-7343.

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