The severe-weather shelter in downtown Renton will remain open through Wednesday night, because of continuing below-freezing temperatures.

The shelter at the Harambee Center, 316 S. Third St., in downtown Renton opened on Thursday, Jan. 13. During that time, the center has housed about 18 homeless people a night, mostly men, according to Karen Bergsvik, the City of Renton Human Services manager.

“It’s one indicator of how many homeless there are out there who sleep outside,” said Bergsvik.

There are separate sleeping areas in the shelter for men, women, couples and families with children who are living in vehicles or on the streets.

The shelter will be open nightly Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, closing Thursday morning.

All must register at the door. Check in and registration begins at 8:30 p.m. The shelter will close each day at 7 a.m., and all must vacate.

The shelter is operated by Catholic Community Services staff and volunteers from the greater Kent and Renton community. As with all shelters, rules for the health and safety of clients, staff and the broader community apply.

There are also shelters open in Auburn, Federal Way, Bellevue, and Seattle. For information on those shelters, contact the Crisis Clinic by dialing 211 to access shelter information or use this link for a list of winter shelters operating throughout King County.

Anyone with good washable blankets, clean warm clothes (sweatshirts, hoodies, fleece) gloves, hats, or socks for the cold weather shelter is asked to drop them off at sixth floord, Renton City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way.

For more information contact the City of Renton, Human Services office at 425-430-6600.