Fall and Winter Weather's Impact on the Homeless

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While summer is still in full swing, the promise of the fall and winter are not far behind, and with them bring different challenges for the homeless population. Extreme heat may be one of the deadliest of the severe weather types, but the colder temps  and wetter climate of autumn and winter can be just as deadly. 


Each year, 700 people experiencing homelessness die from hypothermia. Symptoms to watch out for include: memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness, shivering, and potentially frostbite. It is imperative for anyone experiencing these symptoms and/or a body temperature below 95°F to seek immediate medical attention. 


During times of severe cold weather, there are seasonal shelters open to provide aid, here’s a list of those available in multnomah county (2021-2022):


  • Walnut Park Shelter, 5329 N.E. Martin Luther King Blvd.; 80 beds, operated by Transition Projects 

  • Downtown Winter Shelter (former Greyhound Station), 550 N.W. 6th Ave.; 96 beds, operated by Do Good Multnomah

  • Arbor Lodge Winter Shelter, 1952 N. Lombard Ave.; 70 beds, operated by Do Good Multnomah

  • Additional winter-only beds (10) will also be available in the Joint Office's youth shelter system.

You can also help the homeless community prepare for winter by donating clothes and blankets to those in need through organizations such as Portland Rescue Mission.


-Taylor G.


Sources:


https://my.neighbor.org/how-cold-affects-those-experiencing-homelessness/


https://www.multco.us/care-when-its-cold/severe-weather-and-homelessness


https://palletshelter.com/blog/winter-affect-homelessness/


Image Source:

 

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