Winter and severe weather shelters
Over the winter months, we opened two City-owned buildings for the first time as temporary overnight shelters to better shield our unhoused residents from the freezing temperatures. From December to March, the shelters provided a safe and warm space for those in need to spend the night, and prioritized families with children and the most vulnerable in our community. These emergency shelters are now closed.
Location of emergency winter weather shelters
The two winter shelters (Vancouver arts hub building and Chkalov building) were open from 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. starting Dec. 14, 2024 and remained open through March 2025. These facilities were in addition to the winter shelters offered through a partnership between Outsiders Inn, the faith community and the Council for the Homeless.
Severe winter weather shelter
Additional shelters can be opened when a “severe” weather event has been forecasted or declared during an emergency winter weather event. Vacant commercial space at Esther Short Commons (555 W. 8th St.) will be available for up to 15 current Safe Park Zone residents. Luepke Center will be an alternative space for those staying at the arts hub if conditions shift to severe winter weather conditions.
Who can use the shelter
The winter shelters served individuals and households experiencing homelessness. Shelter prioritization is given to families with children. Then, prioritization is based on a variety of vulnerabilities, including seniors, people with disabilities, individuals fleeing domestic violence situations, people with health conditions, etc.
All shelters are co-ed; as part of the referral process, those with records of sex offenses and recent violent criminal behavior cannot use the shelters. These are not drop-in shelters; users must undergo screening by the Council for the Homeless to access them. Please call 360-695-9677 to be screened for any shelter openings in the County.
How you can help, volunteer and donate
Our service providers staff the shelters; volunteers are needed. Morning and evening shifts are available for two to three hours per shift. Shift duties can include set up, greeting/check-in, meal support and set up, coffee/drinks, activities, social support, service animal support, other duties as needed.
- Morning Shift – 6 to 8:30 a.m.
- Evening Shift – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
To apply to volunteer at a City or one of the other winter shelters, visit outsidersinn.org/sws.
Our winter shelter service providers need blankets, new sweatshirts/sweatpants, ground coffee, creamer, sugar, hot cocoa, and other to-go/hand food options like granola bars. A full list of needs has been compiled in an Amazon Wishlist. Donations can be dropped at one of our Safe Stay Communities: The Outpost, 11400 N.E. 51st Cir. or 415 West, 415 W. 11th St., daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Please do not bring donations to the winter shelters; there will not be staff available to take them.
Frequently asked questions
Overview
Why is the City using its buildings for winter and severe weather shelter?
Regardless of season, there is not enough shelter space for those experiencing homelessness. Given the dangerous conditions in winter, under the emergency declaration, we are using City-owned buildings with appropriate space to fill the immediate need, support the overall support homeless crisis response system, and save lives.
In December, the City will open select City-owned buildings as winter and severe weather shelter spaces. Together, the shelters will have 75 overnight beds.
Depending on conditions, the winter weather shelters are expected to be open through March.
Which buildings will be used for shelter?
Winter shelters will be opened at the Vancouver arts hub at 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. and the Chkalov Building at 521 Chkalov Dr.
Esther Short Commons and Luepke Center will be used when a “severe” weather event has been forecasted or declared. Esther Short Commons will be open to current residents of the City’s Safe Park Zone and Luepke Center will serve as a backup for those using the Vancouver arts hub winter shelter. Depending on conditions and need, the city may also open its Aspen Conference Room as a severe winter weather shelter.
Winter Shelter
When will the winter shelters be open?
Two winter shelters will be open nightly beginning Dec. 14 and are expected to remain open through March 2025.
Who will the winter shelters serve?
The winter shelters will serve individuals and households experiencing homelessness. All shelters are co-ed; as part of the referral process, those with records of sex offenses and recent violent criminal behavior cannot use the shelter.
How can I access the winter shelter?
To access these and other emergency shelters, please call the Council for the Homeless Housing Hotline at 360-695-9677. People must undergo a referral process and background check to access the emergency shelter.
What are the hours of the winter shelter?
Two winter shelters (Vancouver Arts Hub and Chkalov Building) will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Why aren’t the shelters open during the day?
The shelters aren’t open during the day to enable the regular programming of these spaces to continue and for any necessary reset and maintenance of the facility for the next night. Anyone who needs a warm place to go during the day can take advantage of the different warming centers offered by the City and other partners. Bus passes will be provided to participants who need them to get to wherever they need to go during the day and back to the shelter area in the evenings. Some of these spaces could remain open during severe weather events.
Can I bring my pets?
Different shelters have different pet policies; this is another reason that those seeking shelter must call the Council for the Homeless during the referral process.
What can I bring with me to the shelter?
The shelters have limited space for belongings. Please review the list of what can and cannot be brought to the shelter.
Will there be access to food or other resources at the winter shelter?
Yes, staff will provide a warm meal and beverages to people who come to any of the Outsiders Inn-supported winter shelter spaces. Additional trained staff will be able to support access to basic community resource navigation to help connect people to the places they need to engage in wellness and housing-focused services.
Will the City’s community centers still be used as warming shelters?
Yes, the City considers community centers warming centers during regular hours. While there is no formal programming, Firstenburg and Marshall community centers have public lobbies with access to heat, restrooms, drinking fountains and Wi-Fi.
Can I volunteer at the winter shelter?
While our service providers staff the shelters, volunteers are needed too. Morning and evening shifts are available for two to three hours per shift. Shift duties can include set up, greeting/check-in, meal support and set up, coffee/drinks, activities, social support, pet support, and security (awareness of space and authorized areas).
- Morning Shift – 6 to 8:30 a.m.
- Evening Shift – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Apply to volunteer at one of Vancouver’s winter shelters with Outsiders Inn or other community partners like St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Beautiful Savior Lutheran. Apply at outsidersinn.org/sws.
Can I donate to the winter shelter?
Our winter shelter service providers need blankets, new sweatshirts/sweatpants, ground coffee, creamer, sugar, hot cocoa, and other to-go/hand food options like granola bars. A full list of needs has been compiled in an Amazon Wishlist. You can drop donations at one of our Safe Stay Communities. The Outpost, 11400 NE 51st Cir. or 415 West located at 415 W. 11th St. daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Please do not bring donations to the shelters; there will not be staff available to take them.
Severe Winter Shelter
When is the severe weather shelter open?
Additional shelter is opened when a “severe” weather event has been forecasted or declared during a winter weather event. The Severe Weather Task Force activates a severe weather event in coordination with local government agencies and the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA). Learn more about the Severe Weather Task Force.
Which buildings will be used for severe winter weather shelter?
Vacant commercial space in Esther Short Commons will be open to the current Safe Park Zone residents. Luepke Center will be an alternative space for those using the arts hub winter shelter if necessary. Depending on conditions and need, the City may also open its Aspen Conference Room at City Hall as a severe winter weather shelter.
How can Luepke Center be used as a severe winter shelter?
In a severe weather event, Luepke Center would be closed to the public for regular activities, and the facility would be available for incident-specific shelter in a severe winter weather event.
Related Questions
Will the winter shelter impact the plan to repair and develop the arts hub building?
No. The work on the roof and community engagement for the arts hub building design will continue as planned in the 2025-26 biennium.
Will the winter shelter disrupt regular programming at the arts hub?
No. Activities will continue as scheduled at the arts hub. There may be instances when the building is being used by both arts hub and shelter participants simultaneously. However, the winter shelter will operate on the lower level with its own restrooms and entrance.
Why did the City select these buildings?
There is not enough shelter space in the community for those experiencing homelessness regardless of season. In the winter, the conditions can become deadly for those outside. To help address this need, City-owned buildings with appropriate space to provide limited winter and severe winter shelter. The City is working with those who use the facilities or are nearby to share information and hear any concerns.