With the National Weather Service issuing an “Extreme Cold” warning for the East Bay on Friday, GRIP is prepared to keep unhoused people warm and cozy all night, even as temperatures dip into the 20s in some locations.
The warming center, now officially dubbed the “Adult Emergency Center” is now open all year long, as an option for drop-in shelter for anyone, and distinct from the 65-bed family shelter upstairs.
“We’ve been at about 80% capacity over the past few weeks, so we have spots available for those seeking shelter,” Executive Director Ralph Payton said.
The program provides a warm, indoor location, cots, access to restrooms, showers, mail, and laundry, and long with — of course — hot coffee and drinks on a cold night.
With temperatures dipping into the 20s farther from the Bay, sleeping outside or in cars is just not a safe option, and GRIP is ready to help.
Here’s the official National Weather Service Warning from https://www.weather.gov/mtr/:
...EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 9 AM PST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Very cold conditions with sub-freezing temperatures in the mid-20s to low-30s expected. * WHERE...The East Bay Hills and Valleys, Interior Monterey County and the Santa Lucia Range, Most of San Benito County and the Cholame Hills in Southeast Monterey County, North Bay Interior Mountains, North Bay Interior Valleys, Eastern Santa Clara Hills, and Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and livestock. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Ensure portable heaters are working properly and are used correctly to avoid sparking a fire indoors. Do not use generators or grills inside as carbon monoxide poisoning can result. Check with your local, city, or county officials for information on available warming centers. Be sure to dress in layers if outdoors. Make sure that pets and livestock have adequate food, unfrozen water, and warmth. Cover or tend to sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation. &&
