One day after Multnomah County closed its emergency warming shelters in the Portland area, citing slightly warmer than expected temperatures, four locations will be back open.
The following sites will welcome guests starting at 7 p.m. Friday:
• Oregon Convention Center, located at 960 Northeast 1st Avenue in Portland
• Reynolds High School, located at 1698 Southwest Cherry Park Road in Troutdale
• Mt. Scott Community Center, located at 5530 Southeast 72nd Avenue in Portland
• East Portland Community Center, located at 740 Southeast 106th Avenue in Portland
The county said Friday the decision to reopen the centers was made after expected overnight low temperatures were predicted to fall into the low 20s.
On Saturday morning, the county announced the four centers will remain open through 8 a.m. Sunday.
Anyone in the county who is seeking shelter can call 211 for the latest information on shelter locations and if they need transportation to a shelter. TriMet will offer fare-free transportation for individuals who need to travel to a warming shelter. Those riders should tell drivers their destination.
Updates and information on future severe weather shelter sites in the county can be found at multco.us/cold.
Meanwhile, Multnomah County is urging residents to keep a watchful, helpful eye on others, especially those who are homeless, during the freezing weather.
“If someone outside is unsheltered and whose life appears to be in danger, call 911,” the county states on its website. “If you see someone about whom you are concerned during cold weather, such as not being dressed for the weather conditions, call the non-emergency response line at 503-823-3333 and request a welfare check.”