Warming Shelter opens January 11

Skamania County Emergency Warming Shelter open January 11

Operating Thursday-Monday with check-in from 6-8 pm

Stevenson, Washington (January 4, 2024) - The Skamania County Emergency Warming Shelter in Stevenson opens on January 11, 2024 It is expected to be available through mid to late March, depending on weather conditions. The shelter is located near the Hegewald Center and is operated by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).

Houseless persons needing to escape life-threatening winter weather can access the shelter Thursday through Monday evenings and must check in between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. each night and check out by 7:00 a.m. the next morning. Clients can return for as many nights as needed.

The shelter is available to adults, children accompanied by their parents/guardians, and emancipated minors. Unaccompanied minors will be referred to the Youth Empowerment Shelter in The Dalles.

If emergency needs arise on nights that the shelter is not open (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), clients must connect with WAGAP during regular office hours for alternate assistance. The WAGAP office in Stevenson is at 683 SW Rock Creek Drive and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed from noon to 1:00 p.m. for lunch. The office phone number is 509-427-8229. 

“It was challenging to fill the positions this year, which delayed the opening” said Jennifer Pauletto, WAGAP Associate Director. “But we are pleased that we now have bilingual staff available to assist in English and Spanish. In addition to shelter, the staff can also direct clients to other WAGAP services that may help them on a path to independence.”

Cristian Olivares, the warming shelter coordinator, can be reached after hours at 509-281-1129. If the call goes to voice mail, the caller is asked to leave a message.

WAGAP does not operate an emergency warming shelter in Klickitat County but has two housing offices available Monday through Thursday where clients can arrange appropriate services for their health and safety:

·         In Bingen, call 509-493-2662 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or go to WAGAP’s main office at 115 West Steuben Street.

·         In Goldendale, call 509-773-6834 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or go to the WAGAP Housing office at 150 West Main Street. 

Both the Skamania and Klickitat County offices have some resources available to assist clients in the cold weather. During the day, public resources like local libraries and WAGAP offices are available for people to get out of the elements and stay safe.