Record-breaking snow in western Washington has stranded drivers, knocked out power, and repeatedly canceled school and regular garbage pickup around the region. But for some, the extreme weather conditions of past weeks have proven to be more than a nuisance -- it's been life-threatening.
Homeless response groups, like Seattle's Navigation Team, have been working around the clock to provide services to people experiencing homelessness and shelter them from cold temperatures.
Ashley and Bob have been staying in a homeless encampment near Highway 509. The Navigation Team brought the pair to the Garfield Community Center on Monday, which was one of the city's temporary shelters during the storm.
"I'm really grateful for this temporary shelter. It probably saved our lives," Bob said.
The temporary shelter at Garfield operates operated for 24 hours a day, offering a bed, a hot meal and a shower. The shelter provided space to 130 people overnight.
Extreme winter weather shelters in Seattle:
- 13035 Linden Avenue N, Seattle
- Open 24 hours, through Wednesday morning
- 2323 E Cherry Street, Seattle
- Open 24 hours, through Wednesday morning
- 301 Mercer Street, Seattle
- Open 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., through Sunday
- 500 4th Avenue, Seattle
- Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Thursday
Additional shelter information can be found here.
