Cold weather calls for backup resources as shelters quickly fill, City says
SPOKANE, Wash. — With the cold weather that rolled in Friday night, the City of Spokane said its shelters quickly filled, some of them reaching full capacity.
In a release, City officials said Spokane Firefighters checked on between 80 to 100 people. Additionally, firefighters gave out 80 blankets, as well as STA bus passes to those in need of transportation.
With most shelters reaching maximum capacity, police said there were few people on the streets Friday night.
City officials said some shelters needed additional supplies- to which the Spokane community quickly responded.
Second Harvest, Giving Backpacks, and Jewels Helping Hands all came to the rescue, providing additional deliveries and providers.
4 News Now spoke to the House of Charity who has about 120 beds for men and 60 for women.
The executive director said they were full overnight. For the people they have to turn away, they give out blankets.
Some of the vulnerable population are in a limbo right now, as the House of Charity closes from noon until 7 p.m. and there are no warming centers open as of yet.
“I think that that’s a challenge we face every year, and really it’s regardless of cold weather that happens when it’s really hot or really smokey out, but particularly when it’s rainy like this is the worst,” said Heather Schleigh, executive director, “Because folks get soaked and their stuff gets soaked and it’s really challenging for people to find a place to go.”
On Friday, the City released a list of shelter services aimed to keep the homeless warm amid reports of a weekend storm.
READ: City releases list of shelter services in preparation for unseasonably cold weekend
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