Seattle shelters remain busy as people escape from elements

shelterPhoto byNick FewingsonUnsplash

Winter has tightened its grip on Seattle, sending temperatures plummeting and prompting the community to come together to provide warmth and safety for those in need. As the cold weather persists, shelters across the city are seeing increased activity, with individuals seeking respite from the freezing temperatures.

One such haven is Union Station in the Chinatown International District, which has opened its doors as a warming center. In a city where most are bundling up to combat the cold, some individuals find themselves with nowhere to go. The warming center, operated by Sound Transit, offers solace to those in need of a break from the biting elements.

A homeless man shared his gratitude for the facility, expressing the physical toll the cold weather had taken on him. "It's so cold out here. My hands got so cold. My hands are freezing. It hurt," he said. He thanked the city for allowing people to seek warmth during the daytime.

John Gallagher, a spokesperson for Sound Transit, highlighted the collaborative effort within the region to address the threat posed by the cold weather to those without shelter. The warming center is not a one-time initiative; it will remain open on Sunday and Monday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., ensuring continuous support during the harsh weather conditions.

Meanwhile, at the Seattle Center's Exhibition Hall, the Salvation Army has set up a 300-bed facility to accommodate individuals overnight. Felicia Grant, a representative from the Salvation Army, emphasized the critical nature of their services. The shelter, open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until Tuesday, provides not only a warm place to sleep but also essential items such as blankets and food.

Grant acknowledged the eye-opening intensity of the weather shift and the increased awareness of the community's needs. "It's a matter of life and death. This weather can impact us unknowingly in ways that we're not aware of," she said. The Salvation Army aims to offer safety, warmth, and nourishment to those seeking refuge from the cold.

As both locations witness a surge in demand, staff members are actively working to refer individuals to other shelters in the city if space is unavailable or if they are closing for the day. The collective effort to ensure everyone has a place to escape the cold is a testament to Seattle's commitment to its community members, particularly those facing homelessness during the challenging winter months.