How Will Homeless Survive Snowstorm? With Your Help

SEATTLE, WA - There are thousands of people living outdoors and in RVs across King County, and this weekend's snowstorm will pose a deadly threat to them. There are shelters open in many cities, and officials are saying that local residents can help get homeless people indoors.

On Thursday, a 59-year-old man, Derek C. Johnson, presumed to be homeless died in Seattle of hypothermia, according to the King County Medical Examiner.

"We're encouraging everyone who is living outdoors experiencing homeless to please go inside," Seattle Human Services Interim Director Jason Johnson said Friday morning. "We have these shelters open, there is capacity, we want to make sure you're safe."

What should you do if you see a homeless person out in the storm? Call 911 if someone is in danger, officials say.

Public safety resources will be stretched during the storm, but there are dedicated resources for people living outdoors. Seattle police will have two vans out on the streets looking for homeless people who need transportation to a shelter.

Many cities around the region have set up warming centers and overnight shelters for anyone who needs it.

Here are the shelters open this weekend:

Seattle Center: The Exhibition Hall will be open nights for people to sleep indoors. The Armory will also be a warming center during daytime hours. You can find a list of other warming centers in Seattle here.

Garfield Community Center: Located at 23rd Avenue and Cherry Street, this shelter will be primarily for families, but is open to anyone 24 hours per day through the weekend.

King County Administration Building: Open 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Feb. 14 as an overnight temporary shelter.

Jefferson Day Center: Located at Jefferson and 4th Avenue in downtown Seattle will be open during daytime hours as a warming center. King County added 50 beds at this facility on Friday afternoon for overnight use until Monday.

New Bethlehem Day Center: This day site in Kirkland is open daily 2 to 8 p.m. at 11920 NE 80th St, Suite 100.

Renton Old Chamber of Commerce Building: Located at 300 Rainier Ave North, this overnight shelter will be open 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Eastside Men's Shelter: Located in downtown Bellevue at 116th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 2nd Place, the shelter is open 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Visit King County's 211 webpage or more information about resources during the storm.

Patch file photo