CHELAN — Chelan Valley Hope has successfully launched their new cold-weather warming station.
The warming station provides safe shelter for unhoused people who would otherwise be exposed to extreme temperatures. The warming station recently opened for the first time during dangerously cold temperatures.
Chelan Valley Hope Executive Director Tamra Hively said only a few people utilized the shelter.
“ We will open again, but it is costly so we can only do it when it's so cold someone's life is in danger,” she said. “ We also have some great volunteers willing to give their time and energy. We always try to help people sign up for housing, although there is a long waitlist.”
The warming station, located at Chelan Valley Hope at 417 S. Bradley Street is open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. during cold spells when temperatures drop below 20 degrees.
“It really isn't a shelter, it is a cold weather warming station that will provide safety during especially cold weather,” Hively said.
“It will only be open during cold snaps that are dangerous for those living outdoors,” she said. “We will activate our community response team to get the word out when we are open. We will not be open every day, it will be based on the weather.”
The warming station will serve Chelan Valley residents who lack other shelter options. Though the station has a capacity for up to twelve individuals.
“The reason it (the warming station) is important is because it will save lives,” Hively said. “I personally saw people in sleeping bags last year when it was 10 degrees out. I don't want that to happen again.”
“I can't tolerate not doing something when there is a life or death situation,” she said. “Chelan Valley Hope is known for stepping up when times are tough, and we are here for our community.”
A staff member is present at each shift along with one or two volunteers. Volunteers do not necessarily have to do the entire 12-hour shift.
Every volunteer has had hands-on-training, a background check, de-escalation training, and is first aid/cpr certified.
For more information or to volunteer, Chelan Valley Hope can be reached at 509-888-2114.
The warming station is a collaborative effort made possible by community leaders and local organizations, including Erin McCardle, Mayor City of Chelan; Paul Palumbo, Pastor Lake Chelan Lutheran Church; Ana Gonzalez, Behavioral Health Unit Chelan County Sheriff’s Office; Ray Eickmeyer, Emergency Services Director Lake Chelan Community Health; Tiffany Gering, Chelan County Commissioner; Amber Hallberg, Community Services Manager Chelan County; Brie Estes, Case Manager/Outreach Specialist Chelan Valley Hope; Venus Hinojos, Office Manager/Outreach Specialist Chelan Valley Hope; Tamra Hively, Executive Director Chelan Valley Hope.
Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here