City, county and social service agencies teaming up to keep homeless warm this winter

The City of Portland and Multnomah County is joining forces with local social service agencies to help the homeless population stay warm this winter.

"I firmly believe that it is our moral responsibility to make sure everyone has a safe, warm place to sleep,"  Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury said in a press release.

Here are some of the expanded services that will be provided:

• The Warming Center for Homeless Families located at 1435 N.E. 81st Avenue will be open 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily to provide a safe place to sleep for families who are homeless. The capacity is 60 people.
• Two day shelters will be available.  One is the Daybreak Shelter at 12727 S.E. Market Street and the other is the 13 Salmon Family Shelter of the First Unitarian Church at Southwest 13th Avenue and Salmon Street.
• Two night shelters will alsobe available. One is the continuance of the Daybreak Shelter and the other is the Goose Hollow Family Shelter at 1838 S.W. Jefferson Street.
• City and county will operating the Warming Center for Adults. Those needing shelter can check in at Transition Projects, 475 N.W. Glisan Street. The center will be open from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily through March. It is designed to serve adult men and women. Couples are allowed, but no pets.
• Housing placement and rent assistance services will be provided to assist homeless families in finding permanent housing.
• *Note: Anyone seeking shelter is advised to call 211. Operators will be available to identify available space at shelters and warming centers. Operators will be available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

If you would like to help, there is a critical need for blankets, pillows, food and winter coats. Contact Human Solutions to find out how to donate.