Refuge From Cold, Wet Weather Opening Up

GILROY, CA -- It's going to get ugly this week -- especially for those who live outside.

That's why Santa Clara County's Office of Supportive Housing is opening up more shelters and beds until Feb 7.

The National Weather Service is predicting cold and wet temperatures for the coming week, with a possible mix of rain and snow for the Santa Clara Valley floor. Snow levels could drop as low as 1,000 feet.

Along with cold temperatures, the rain puts many people, especially older adults, at risk for hypothermia -- which is caused by dangerously low body temperature. All residents are encouraged to use available shelters and warming centers.

During winter months, cold weather and regular shelters operate daily in East Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Jose and Gilroy. When an "Inclement Weather Episode" as it's called occurs, additional shelter beds with daytime and overnight warming centers become readily available for the increased number of people who require respite from the cold and rain.

1. Daytime warming centers are located in libraries, community and senior centers throughout the County.
2. Overnight warming locations operated by HomeFirst in the city of San Jose are listed below:
   1. Bascom Community Center, 1000 South Bascom Ave. in San Jose
   2. Leininger Community Center, 1300 Senter Rd. in San Jose
   3. Roosevelt Community Center, 901 E Santa Clara St. in San Jose
3. Expanded shelter services are available throughout the county.

Note: Families having special shelter needs may call 408-515-6886 for assistance.

Warming centers and shelters can be found here at http://bit.ly/WarmCenters1-2-2019. For more information, visit the County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing.

Cold weather safety tips in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese are highlighted here http://bit.ly/coldweathersafe.

--Image via Shutterstock