Due to extremely low temperatures and a forecast of snow late tonight and into tomorrow, the City of Renton in partnership with Catholic Community Services will open the Severe Weather Shelter (SWS) at Renton Harambee Center through Saturday morning, Dec. 21.

The shelter is located at Renton Harambee Center, 316 South 3rd St. in downtown Renton. Check in and registration begins at 8:30 p.m. The shelter will close each day at 8 a.m., and all must vacate.

All are welcome. The Severe Weather Shelter is available for single women and men, couples, and homeless families with children who are living on the streets or in vehicles; separate sleeping spaces have been prepared for men, women, and families with children.

The SWS will be operated by Catholic Community Services staff and volunteers from the greater Kent/Renton community. All must register at the door. As with all shelters, rules for the health and safety of clients, staff and the broader community will apply.

Please dial 2-1-1 to access shelter information. For a list of winter shelters operating throughout King County, click here.

If you have good washable blankets, clean warm clothes (sweatshirts, hoodies, fleece), gloves, hats, or socks, the cold weather shelter can use them. Please drop them off at Renton City Hall, 6th floor.

The shelter is in need of individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, nuts, trail mix, cookies), packaged cereal, fruit, paper cups, and bowls. Hot soup or chili or sandwiches would be appreciated, as the people seeking shelter are cold and hungry at 9 p.m. We are also looking for individuals or groups that can provide or cook a hot breakfast. If you can volunteer or donate items, contact Marty Dochstader, mdoch68@gmail.com

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