Life-threatening temps, east wind turn heat up at local warming shelters
Feb 10 - Written By Tom Peterson
Staff of the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council were at the ready on West Seventh Street in The Dalles this morning, Feb. 10. The Gloria Center activated the Emergency Shelter due to freezing temperatures. Doors will open today at 4 p.m. The National Weather service is calling for a low of 15 tonight and 11 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday morning.
From Mid-Columbia Community Action Council with operations in The Dalles and Hood River:
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 10, 2025 — Emergency Shelters in The Dalles and Hood River will open today as predictions for sub-freezing temperatures are expected to hit hard in the next two nights.
When freezing temperatures occur, individuals experiencing houselessness are at a significantly increased risk of health complications, particularly hypothermia, due to their lack of adequate shelter and clothing, making extreme cold weather a life-threatening situation.
Two houseless people have died in The Dalles due in part or entirely from exposure to cold temperatures. Those deaths occurred in 2022 and 2023.
In response, the warming shelter at The Gloria Center will open TODAY, Monday, Feb. 10 at 4 p.m. and will be open 24 hours a day while it is activated. The Gloria Center is at 2505 West 7th in The Dalles. Initial guest intakes are 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. today. The facililty has 22 beds and the shelters work on a first-come, first served basis.
MCCAC also operates the warming shelter in Hood River, 1733 Oak Street. That facility also has a first-come, first-served policy.
Emergency Shelter operations will be led by MCCAC staff and supported by community volunteers and partners. Support provided will include warm shelter, bedding and clothing items, food, water, hygiene, and first aid items, and connections to community resources.
The agencies that operate at the Gloria Center include Mid-Columbia Center for Living, One Community Health, the Oregon Human Development Corporation, Nch’I Wana Housing, the Department of Human Services, the Columbia Gorge Health Council and its Bridges to Health Pathways program.
For up-to-date information on Emergency Shelter operations visit the MCCAC website. For information about other services including supply bundles and transportation, visit the Severe Weather Resources page of our website (links below)
MCCAC gratefully accepts donations of needed supplies. Community members interested in volunteering with MCCAC or donating needed supplies can reach out to Miriam Starrett, Community Engagement Coordinator - mstarrett@mccac.com.
MCCAC website: https://www.mccac.com/
Severe Weather Resources: https://www.mccac.com/shelter-1
How to Give: https://www.mccac.com/donate