SPOKANE, Wash. – As the first set of below-freezing temperatures roll through the region, the City of Spokane will open access to the regional shelter systems and city library locations.
Starting Wednesday, shelter providers throughout the region are encouraged to provide space to those who need it until they are at total capacity, as the National Weather Service predicts temperatures below 32 degrees. Overflow capacity will be available at the Trent Resource and Assistance Center with other open system space options.
Following a year-long remodel of the Volunteers of America’s Young Adult Shelter, it is now a 24-7 facility for 18- to 24-year-olds that provides embedded behavioral health services.
“Spokane works together in times of need and our regional partners are coming together to do what they can to bring people indoors and connect them to services,” Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward said.
The Spokane Fire Department, Spokane police and park rangers will check on at-risk groups during this extreme cold. They will also be advised of community resources available to them.
Individuals can also utilize libraries during regular business hours to get inside out of the winter weather.
All Spokane Public Library locations will be open during regular business hours to help get people out of the cold. Libraries are available 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Here’s a list of Spokane Public Library locations:
Central – 906 W. Main St.Shadle Park – 2111 W. Wellesley Ave.Liberty Park – 402 S. Pittsburg St.South Hill – 3324 S. Perry St.Hillyard – 4110 N. Cook St.Indian Trail – 4909 W. Barnes Road
Some faith groups are also discussing potential ways to assist during this time.
For more information on the city’s weather-related resources, visit the Spokane Regional Health District’s website.
