July 2022
Cooling Shelter Offers Relief…
With temperatures rising to life-threatening levels, Cultivate Initiatives was called upon by Multnomah County to operate a cooling shelter. For six days we provided respite from the elements for 554 neighbors, converting the Sunrise Center space into an air-conditioned shelter.
At the cooling shelter, people found the following provisions:
Food & cold drinks
Cool common area
Clothing
Free showers
Hygiene materials
Outside cooling station
Sleeping areas
Peer support
Health services from our nursing student partnership
A Safe Cool Place to Be…
In East Portland, many of our housed neighbors do not have the infrastructure necessary to live in this heat. For this reason, you can find housed and unhoused neighbors utilizing our resources together. An example of that is our friend Chuck. For two summers, he has spent the days with us at the cooling shelter. According to Chuck, if he didn’t have a place to come to when the weather gets too hot, he “would probably be dead within two to three days” due to his health issues. We aim to make these environments a place where people can thrive, not just survive. Despite the severe temperatures, Chuck says “I really enjoy being here with these people.”
This is our fourth severe weather shelter in the last year. To be involved in future efforts, you can sign up for our volunteer list or donate below. Thanks for your support.
