Multnomah County has declared an emergency and opened severe weather shelters in anticipation of up to 3 inches of snowfall and 40 mph winds in Portland tonight, with TriMet also preparing for the storm. Following criticism for closing shelters during the previous winter storm, the county is now seeking volunteers to staff the shelters and offering free rides on TriMet buses and trains. The NWS warns of slippery road conditions and potential impacts on Thursday morning's commute, while acknowledging the difficulty of making a confident forecast.
Massachusetts' HomeBASE program, which traditionally assists homeless families, is now being extended to include migrants in emergency shelters, offering up to $30,000 over two years to help find stable housing. The program covers expenses such as rent, security deposits, moving costs, and utilities, and also supports overdue rent or utility payments. Eligibility requires living in or being eligible for the state-run emergency shelter system, with additional consideration for families in non-emergency domestic violence shelters and residential use treatment programs. Governor Maura Healey has implemented a waitlist for temporary housing, with overflow shelter sites available for those on the list.
The Pacific Northwest is under an ice storm warning, with areas in Washington and Oregon expecting significant ice accumulation, leading to school closures, curtailed bus services, and the opening of warming shelters. The bitter weather has also affected other parts of the United States, with record cold temperatures and snowfall. The region is experiencing power outages, treacherous road conditions, and the danger of falling trees and power lines. Officials have issued urgent calls for volunteers to help with emergency shelter services as thousands remain at risk of cold exposure.
The city of Buffalo is racing to clear snow-covered streets before more snow arrives, with a travel advisory in place and emergency warming shelters open. Mayor Byron Brown urged residents to be patient as crews work to clear the snow, and the Department of Public Works is preparing for the upcoming snowfall. Trash pickup will be delayed by one day, and the city has taken extra efforts to clear the streets, utilizing private contractors to clear main and secondary streets simultaneously.
Over 100,000 people in Portland lost power due to a winter storm, leading to at least two deaths and numerous cases of hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning. Many sought refuge in hotels, causing occupancy to surge. Some struggled to secure rooms, while others found warmth and safety. Warming shelters accommodated over 1,000 people, but for those who could afford it, hotels provided a welcome escape from the harsh conditions.
The Pacific Northwest is preparing for freezing rain and ice after a deadly weekend storm left tens of thousands without power and at least seven people dead. The region, known for rain, is under an ice storm warning with up to half an inch of ice expected, posing a threat to trees and power lines. Oregon closed a major highway due to the icy forecast, and Portland Public Schools canceled classes. Emergency shelters are in high demand, with officials issuing an urgent call for volunteers.
Multnomah County officials have declared a state of emergency due to incoming winter weather, ensuring shelters are available for those in need. With six emergency shelters opening and the capacity to expand to over one thousand beds, the county is urging people to seek shelter and prepare for the cold. They are also advising individuals to have extra supplies and to call 211 for assistance or information.
Migrant families living in New York City's emergency shelter system are facing eviction as the 60-day limit imposed by Mayor Eric Adams approaches. The move aims to relieve the overwhelmed shelter system, but it leaves families uncertain about their future and potentially facing homelessness during the winter months. While the city offers extensions and reapplication options, there is no guarantee of immediate placement, and families may be sent to distant tent shelters. Other cities, such as Chicago and Massachusetts, have also imposed limits on shelter stays for homeless migrants. Advocates argue that the evictions disrupt schooling and uproot vulnerable families during a harsh time of the year.
The Anchorage Police Department has reported that 50 people have died outdoors in Anchorage this year, with the most recent death occurring when a woman was found dead inside a tent. The city has seen a significant increase in outdoor deaths compared to previous years, with 24 deaths in 2020 and 19 deaths in 2021. The Anchorage Fire Department has also responded to numerous emergency calls in November, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the city in providing adequate shelter for the homeless population.
Boston's Logan Airport has become an unintended refuge for migrants seeking shelter, with families staying there for months due to the state's emergency shelter system reaching its limit. Massport, the agency that operates the airport, has stated that it is not an appropriate place for migrants to stay. Governor Maura Healey has been focused on job placement to help immigrants pay for their own housing and alleviate the burden on the shelter system. With winter approaching, the situation highlights the need for additional shelter options and support for migrants in Massachusetts.
Migrant families are sleeping at Boston's Logan International Airport as the state's shelter system has reached capacity and lawmakers have failed to approve $250 million in emergency funding. Families from various countries, including Haiti, Chile, and Mexico, have arrived at the airport seeking shelter. Massachusetts officials have capped shelter placements at 7,500 and those in need will now be placed on a waitlist prioritized based on safety and clinical risk. Lawmakers have ended formal sessions without an agreement on funding, leaving the state's response to the shelter crisis uncertain.
Massachusetts' emergency shelter system is nearing capacity, with the number of families in the system expected to reach 7,500 by the end of the month. Governor Maura Healey is demanding urgent support from the federal government, stating that the state does not have enough space, service providers, or funds to expand further. The trend of new arrivals, including expectant mothers and children, is driving the increased demand for shelter. Healey has appointed a new emergency shelter director and is working to connect residents with jobs to help them transition out of the shelter system. State Representative Steven Xiarhos wants to amend the "right to shelter" law to prioritize Massachusetts residents who are U.S. citizens.
The Massachusetts National Guard has been deployed as "rapid response teams" to assist with the state's overwhelmed migrant shelters, as Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency due to the strain on the shelter system. Currently, over 6,000 migrant families are in emergency shelters across the state. The National Guard members will coordinate access to meals, medical care, and transportation in hotels and motels without service providers. The state has been scrambling to find housing, including using Joint Base Cape Cod as a temporary shelter. Governor Healey has called on the federal government for more funding and assistance, urging Congress and the Department of Homeland Security to address immigration laws and provide additional financial aid. Boston has received a $1.9 million grant from FEMA to support migrants with shelter and transportation.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has activated 250 members of the National Guard to assist in emergency shelter hotels housing migrants, as service providers struggle to meet the increasing demand. The governor also announced the formation of Regional Rapid Response Teams to oversee shelter sites. Currently, over 6,000 migrant families are in emergency shelters across the state. The National Guard members will provide basic services at shelters without contracted service providers, including facilitating access to food, transportation, medical care, education, and assisting with school enrollment.
The Massachusetts National Guard has been activated by Governor Maura Healey to provide services at emergency shelter hotels across the state due to a rise in migrant families. Up to 250 National Guard members will assist with food, transportation, medical care, and enrolling children in local schools. Currently, there are over 6,000 families, including pregnant women and children, staying in emergency shelters, with many of them being from Haiti. Governor Healey is working to secure more federal funding to support these families and streamline the process for migrants to find work legally.
