Bay Area

Extreme Cold Prompts Shelter Activation: County Health and Human Services to open temporary weather-related emergency shelter

In response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of several days of extreme cold, Marin County is activating its Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES) for people experiencing homelessness. Marin Health and Human Services (HHS) with Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS) will open an overnight shelter at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus (3240 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael).

Published

3 years ago

February 26, 2023

Oakland Post

Any individual experiencing homelessness can seek temporary overnight relief at the heated San Rafael location from 5 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22 through Saturday, February 25. Individuals are encouraged to sign-in by 8 p.m. each evening.

San Rafael, CA – In response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of several days of extreme cold, Marin County is activating its Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES) for people experiencing homelessness.

Marin Health and Human Services (HHS) with Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS) will open an overnight shelter at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus (3240 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael). Any individual experiencing homelessness can seek temporary overnight relief at the heated San Rafael location from 5 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22 through Saturday, February 25. Individuals are encouraged to sign-in by 8 p.m. each evening.

HHS is currently not accepting community volunteers or donations for the emergency shelter.

A SWES is activated when forecasted temperatures drop below an average nighttime low of 38 degrees, and conditions are projected for a minimum of three days. Average nighttime lows are determined by averaging the hourly temperatures between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

For more information on future activations and preparing for severe weather, visit Marin HHS Emergency Information or call (415) 473-6100. For more information on shelters in Marin, visit Housing First Marin.