Eureka Extreme Weather Shelter now open

According to a Release from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, dated Jan. 18, 2012:
The Eureka Extreme Weather Shelter opened its doors for the first time last weekend when temperatures were predicted to drop into the twenties.  “This is what we were working toward,” noted Lynette Mullen, project coordinator and Community Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office. “This is what all the hard work was all about.”

The Extreme Weather Shelter is operated out of the St. Vincent’s Dining Facility on West 3rd Street in Eureka and will open its doors when temperatures are expected to drop to 32 degrees, 34 degrees if rains are expected, if over an inch of rain is forecasted or winds in excess of 40 mph.

According to Shelter Site Coordinator Steven Bell, organizers were poised to conduct a test opening of the shelter Tuesday night, but a forecast of frigid temperatures prompted an early opening.  Bell was ready to accept guests Sunday night, but the Eureka Rescue Mission was able to handle the demand.  “Actually it gave us a great opportunity to conduct that test run and make sure everything worked smoothly,” Bell noted.

Monday night temperatures were predicted to drop again and the Extreme Weather Shelter welcomed five guests in from out of the cold. When the shelter opens, the Mission will conduct the initial intake, provide food, showers and clean clothing, and then escort guests to the St. Vincent’s facility, where cots donated by the Red Cross are delivered and set up by Redwood Teen Challenge staff.  “The level of cooperation between the difference agencies, service providers and people involved has been nothing short of amazing,” noted Eureka City Councilman Mike Newman. “This community identified a very important need and with a lot of effort and dedication to the cause, we have been able to successfully address it.” 
 

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