Washington County provides no-turn-away shelters for heat wave

Washington County has activated inclement weather shelters that will open their doors to anyone seeking shelter during the heat wave expected to last from the Fourth of July through the middle of next week.

These beds supplement the Washington County emergency shelter program for homeless residents, which currently offers 440 beds or rooms to meet a variety of household needs including families with children, veterans, youth and medically fragile individuals.

The shelters are:

Washington Street Conference Center, 102 S.W. Washington St., Hillsboro. Accessible via TriMet Route No. and the Max Blue Line.Beaverton Community Center, 12350 S.W. Fifth St., Beaverton. Accessible via TriMet Route Nos. 52, 76, and 78.

Shelters will remain open 24 hours throughout the severe weather event. Meals are provided for guests, no one will be turned away, and pets are may be OK, but pet-owners should be prepared to work with shelter staff as individual pet policies may vary by venue.

If someone outside is unsheltered and whose life appears to be in danger, people should call 911. Otherwise, if people see someone about whom they are concerned during cold weather, call the police non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 and request a welfare check.

Learn more about heat safety at StayCoolWashingtonCounty.com .