09-17-2019 Severe Weather ShelterSevere Weather Shelter
City Council
September 17, 2019
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Background
The City joined over 30 faith partners on March 27, 2019 to discuss Severe Weather Shelter and other needs.
Participants completed an interest survey including different roles for severe weather shelter as well as other potential actions to address homelessness.
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When will Severe Weather Shelter open?
Between the months of November and March
The shelter will be activated by the City of Federal Way Mayor or designee when:
Low temperatures fall below 32 degrees for at least 24 consecutive hours or more, and/or
New snow accumulation exceeds or is expected to exceed 3 inches in depth, and/or
Other conditions deemed severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of persons experiencing homelessness are present in Federal Way AND at least one other severe
weather shelter in King County has been activated.
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Host Sites and Staffing
Host Sites:
Three churches are in conversation with the City including Church of the Nazarene and Family Life Church.
Ongoing conversations will determine final details of severe weather shelter operation such as hours, rotation, length at any one location, and liability.
Staffing:
Catholic Community Services has agreed to provide staffing.
Staff will operate and supervise the shelter overnight, among other responsibilities that will ensure as smooth an operation as possible.
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The City’s Role
Coordinate and activate the Severe Weather Shelter
Provide funding for staffing and supplies; initial funding will cover up to 18 nights of shelter.
Coordinate additional supports for the severe weather shelter such as volunteers.
Notify partners of the opening of the shelter including, but not limited to:
Crisis Connections (2-1-1)
South King County Forum on Homelessness
Federal Way Public Schools
Local churches and nonprofits
All City staff
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Additional Needs
The City will reach out to the faith community and non-profit partners we met with in the spring for addressing other needs for severe weather shelter.
Additional needs include:
Volunteers, primarily for awake times – from shelter open to about 11 pm and from 6 am until shelter close
Snacks and potentially meals depending on individual host site desires
Assistance with blankets either through donations or laundering
Contact Sarah Bridgeford if you would like to assist and were not at the March 27th luncheon.
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City Council
September 17, 2019
Severe Weather Shelter Update
Staff Contacts:
Sarah Bridgeford, Community Services Manager
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