Location of warming centers Warming center

1 location of warming centers

1.1 existing shelters
1.2 alternative sites
1.3 determination activate warming centers

location of warming centers




existing shelters

while in cases directly affiliated existing homeless shelter operations, warming centers more housed in different locations. due zoning, special use permit, , fire code restrictions, homeless shelters , day centers serving homeless populations legally constrained exceeding authorized capacity. not infrequently, existing shelters engaged ongoing negotiations neighbors in cases take nimby (not in backyard) attitude toward existing operations. increase in capacity can become politicized, despite exigencies of spikes in cold temperature days, particularly when cold or rainy weather routine.

thus, need secure alternative sites unless restrictions waived due extreme or otherwise unusual weather. such waivers may either on one-time basis, or pursuant memorandum of understanding (mou s) relevant agencies; however, existing shelter sites typically @ highest level of use compatible neighborhood character , political balance of power. few warming center sites appear utilizing same building routine homeless shelter operations, , preponderance of them situate in alternative sites.

alternative sites

when not using existing shelters under mou s or other legal instruments relaxing ordinary legal restrictions, venues of operation involve coalitions of non-profit entities own or operate suitable real estate. these include churches , community organizations may involve special purpose institutional real estate such national guard armories.

some municipalities designate existing public facilities warming centers during extreme cold weather. examples include senior centers, public libraries, , police stations.

determination activate warming centers

warming centers opened few days @ time based on conditions of area, although open specific portion of year when weather conditions adverse.

the city of chicago opens shelters december 1 march 1 each year, other times temperature drops below freezing.

the city of portland, oregon, uses more complex formula determine when open shelters; factors include wet or dry conditions, night s predicted low, three-day trend of lows, sustained wind speed, , whether snow on ground or predicted fall.

activation centralized decision based upon termed either algorithm, or, in other jurisdictions, activation trigger. lane county, oregon utilizes elaborate system of tiered readiness levels in collaboration american red cross. refer these levels alert status , ranging fair weather outlook status standby,watch , activate.