Cold-weather shelter needs volunteers during this week’s wintery weather

To open Aberdeen shelter, Public Health and Social Services Department says it needs overnight help.

A temporary shelter will open this evening (Nov. 20) because overnight low temperatures are expected to be near freezing. If they get enough volunteers, the shelter will be open nightly through Saturday morning (Nov. 23).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the lows Wednesday and Thursday night at Bowerman Airport in Hoquiam are expected to be 34 degrees, two degrees above freezing.

The shelter at Aberdeen Polish Club (823 W. First St.) will be staffed by volunteers from 7 tonight until 8 a.m. Thursday. Opening Thursday night would depend upon, among other things, volunteer staffing levels. The shelter could move to a different location Friday night.

The Grays Harbor County Public Health and Social Services Department will update its website (healthygh.org/news) with notices when the shelter will be open.

“The shelter access is not contingent on sobriety, and participation in services of any kind is voluntary,” the release states. “It will serve adults 18 and over, of all genders, as space and volunteer capacity allows. Shelter rules will be limited and focused on safety for guests and volunteers.”

People who would like to volunteer should contact Pastor Val Metropoulos at vmetropoulos001@luthersem.edu.

The shelter also is in need of bottled water, nonperishable and soft foods, and other basic hygiene items. If you would like to donate, please do so at the shelter when it’s open or at the Coastal Community Action Program office (101 E. Market St. in Aberdeen) during business hours.