In response to freezing temperatures and significant snow accumulation, the City of Seattle, in partnership with King County, will open City Hall tonight, February 13, as a severe weather shelter with capacity for 75 individuals experiencing homelessness. The shelter opens at 8 p.m. and will remain open through Monday morning, February 15. The Shelter will be operated by the Salvation Army and Compass Housing Alliance, with additional support from the Human Services Department and King County.
King County’s severe weather shelter at Jefferson Day Center has shifted operations to support City Hall shelter. The Jefferson Day Center will remain open.
Including City Hall shelter, since Tuesday, February 9, the City of Seattle has opened four temporary severe weather shelters with a total capacity of 239 temporary beds. Other severe weather shelters that have opened include:
Yesterday, February 12, First Presbyterian Church opened as new permanent women’s shelter with capacity for 60 women experiencing homelessness. This shelter is operated by Women’s Housing, Equality and Enhancement League (WHEEL) and is operating 24 hours a day through Monday morning, February 15.
The HOPE Team, in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, has been performing welfare checks and transporting individuals experiencing homelessness to shelter during the winter storm. The HOPE Team is back in the field today and is coordinating with Health One and other City department partners for any critical transportation needs. Transportation is limited due to COVID-19 precautions and weather.
Since Wednesday the Hope Team has:
- Shared information with 228 individuals about the temporary severe weather shelters
- Provided 199 individuals winter supplies (hats, gloves, handwarmers, etc.)
- Provided basic needs supplies (water, snacks, etc.) to 147 people and,
- Transported 23 individuals to temporary shelter
Areas visited by the HOPE Team include, but are not limited to: SODO, Georgetown, Beacon Hill, Ballard, Lake City, Downtown, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and University District.
