In preparation for the freezing temperatures Portland will see in the coming months, volunteers for the American Red Cross are now being recruited to staff an emergency warming center that will serve Portland's homeless population during extreme weather.
The Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross has planned the following orientation sessions:
Tuesday, Nov. 24
4-6 p.m.
Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
Monday, Nov. 30
7-9 p.m.
Portland Four Square Church, 1302 SE Ankeny St.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
4-6 p.m.
Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
Thursday, Dec. 10
4-6 p.m.
Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
Friday, Dec. 11
12-2 p.m.
Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
Monday, January 18
10:30 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m.
Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
The orientation sessions will cover topics including triggers for warming center operation; staffing assignments; rules of conduct; and what to expect as a volunteer. Registration for the orientations is not required.
Emergency warming center volunteers must be at least 18 years old and willing to commit to a minimum of two 6-hour shifts. A background check is also required. Since the center will be in operation overnight, volunteers must be available after hours.
The Oregon Trail Chapter's emergency warming center will only be open in extreme weather, when triggers determined by the City of Portland are met. The contract period will run from Nov. 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010.
