Oregon Trail Chapter Latest News

PORTLAND, Ore. – (March 27, 2008) Due to the unseasonably cold weather, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross will open emergency warming centers for Portland's homeless population tonight at the following locations:

* Estate Hotel, 225 NW Couch – 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
* Foursquare Church, 1302 SE Ankeny – 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

All locations will maintain an open door policy, so guests may come and go freely. Pets are welcome. Hot coffee and soup will be served.

The City of Portland makes the decision to activate the Oregon Trail Chapter when they believe conditions require warming center openings. These circumstances include:

Under DRY conditions
* 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below, including consideration of the wind chill factor

Under WET conditions
* 35 degrees Fahrenheit or below, including consideration of the wind chill factor AND
* Any snow/freezing rain/sleet OR
* 1" or more of rain within 12 hours

* Other combinations of weather conditions that place homeless persons at risk of loss of life or serious negative health consequences.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Local Oregon Trail Chapter volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters an average of every 40 hours. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org.

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American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.redcross-pdx.org