Extreme Cold Prompts Emergency Transit and Shelter Options for Houseless Individuals
This article was originally published in Columbia Community Connection News.
An icicle growing on the edge of a tiny pod shelter.
by Mid-Columbia Community Action Council
With severe weather and extreme cold expected to enter the region, our houseless and most vulnerable community members are at extreme risk of exposure that threatens their health and well-being. In response, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) has partnered with the City of Hood River, the City of The Dalles, St. Vincent DePaul of The Dalles, Hood River Alliance Church, FISH Food Bank, Hood River Shelter Services, Hood River County, Columbia Area Transit, and LINK Public Transit to offer Shelter options and transportation for our community members who are experiencing unsheltered houselessness.
Emergency Shelter Locations and Transportation Information that can help assist in accessing Shelters in the region:
HOOD RIVER COUNTY SHELTERS
Hood River County Severe Weather Shelter (*ADDED LOCATION FOR 12/27/21-12/31/2021) Hood River Alliance Church
2650 Montello Ave, Hood River (Emergency Shelter located in back of the church, in the gym)
For more info call: 541-399-2057
Hours of intake:
● Monday, December 27th, 12noon-9pm
● Tuesday, December 28th, 8am-9pm
● Wednesday, December 29th, 8am-9pm
● Thursday, December 30th, 8am-9pm
Hood River Shelter Services
1733 Oak St., Hood River
For more info call: 541-399-2057
The HRSS Pallet Shelter site provides 24 non-congregate winter shelter beds and is open throughout the winter season, until March 2022.
WASCO COUNTY SHELTERS (also serving Sherman County)
Mid-Columbia Community Action, The Dalles Non-Congregate Shelter Site
Located on the corner of Bargeway and Terminal in the Port area
For more info send an email to tdshelter@mccac.com or by phone at 541-980-0855
The Dalles Non-Congregate Pallet Shelter Site is open year-round and has 34 beds.
The Dalles Severe Weather Shelter “The Warming Place”
St. Vincent DePaul of The Dalles
315 W. 3rd St., The Dalles
For more info call: 541-296-9566
Shelter opens when temperatures drop below 36 degrees for sustained periods of time or when there is significant precipitation forecasted. When open, nightly shelter registration begins at 7pm and lights out is at 9pm. On the days the shelter is going to be open, a flag is raised from the St. Vincent DePaul Shelter to make community members aware.
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Transportation to and from Emergency Warming Shelters in Wasco and Hood River Counties will be offered by Columbia Area Transit (CAT) and The Link in accordance with the schedules linked below:
Hood River Transportation Options
Weekday CAT Bus Schedule, Hood River
CAT Hood River City Route – M-Th 8:30am-7:15pm Friday 9:15am-4:45pm. When boarding the bus request a drop off at the shelter. Call (541)386-4202 to request a pick up during operating times.
The Dalles Transportation Options
Weekday and Weekend CAT Bus Schedule, The Dalles
LINK Public Transit Schedule or call for a Dial-A-Ride 541-296-7595 M-F 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Cost is $1.50
Additional Information
Guests of the Emergency Winter Shelters may be required to pass a COVID-19 test, administered on site, prior to entry. In addition, all shelter guests will be required to follow social distance and face covering guidelines. Additional rules may be implemented at each shelter site.
