Sacramento County is extending its weather respite center through at least Jan. 5 after opening the facility last week due to prolonged cold temperatures.The county is partnering with First Step Communities to operate the respite center at the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center, located at 4000 Branch Center Road.With the extension in place, officials are urging community members to donate essential supplies as cold, wet weather continues through the holiday season.“We know that being out in the elements can be really dangerous for people, especially the longer you’re exposed,” said Janna Hayes with Sacramento County’s Department of Homeless and Housing Services.Officials say the prolonged weather system has prompted the activation to provide a warm space for people.The center is open to adults ages 18 and older. Pets are welcome, with a limit of one per person or two per couple. Animals must be crated indoors and leashed outdoors. Crates, leashes and pet food are available for those who need them.“We’re really funded for the bare minimum,” said Kayley Glaspell with First Step Communities. “Our ultimate goal is to get people in here and keep them safe, so we really rely on our community for additional support.”Officials say the center has been operating near capacity.“People come and stay for a few days and then they leave, which opens up space for others,” Hayes said.The county is seeking donations of winter clothing, especially men’s clothing, as well as towels, blankets, hygiene items, new adult underwear, socks, hats, gloves and dog food.In addition to the county facility, the city of Sacramento is activating more weather respite operations. The Outreach and Engagement Center at 3615 Auburn Blvd. will open at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. The North Fifth Street Navigation Center at 700 North Fifth St. will open nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Friday.Anyone seeking shelter is encouraged to call 211 before traveling to a respite center to ensure space is available.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channelTRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADARClick here to see our interactive radar.DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATESTHere is where you can download our app.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. —
Sacramento County is extending its weather respite center through at least Jan. 5 after opening the facility last week due to prolonged cold temperatures.
The county is partnering with First Step Communities to operate the respite center at the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center, located at 4000 Branch Center Road.
With the extension in place, officials are urging community members to donate essential supplies as cold, wet weather continues through the holiday season.
“We know that being out in the elements can be really dangerous for people, especially the longer you’re exposed,” said Janna Hayes with Sacramento County’s Department of Homeless and Housing Services.
Officials say the prolonged weather system has prompted the activation to provide a warm space for people.
The center is open to adults ages 18 and older. Pets are welcome, with a limit of one per person or two per couple. Animals must be crated indoors and leashed outdoors. Crates, leashes and pet food are available for those who need them.
“We’re really funded for the bare minimum,” said Kayley Glaspell with First Step Communities. “Our ultimate goal is to get people in here and keep them safe, so we really rely on our community for additional support.”
Officials say the center has been operating near capacity.
“People come and stay for a few days and then they leave, which opens up space for others,” Hayes said.
The county is seeking donations of winter clothing, especially men’s clothing, as well as towels, blankets, hygiene items, new adult underwear, socks, hats, gloves and dog food.
In addition to the county facility, the city of Sacramento is activating more weather respite operations. The Outreach and Engagement Center at 3615 Auburn Blvd. will open at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. The North Fifth Street Navigation Center at 700 North Fifth St. will open nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Friday.
Anyone seeking shelter is encouraged to call 211 before traveling to a respite center to ensure space is available.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADAR
Click here to see our interactive radar.
DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATEST
Here is where you can download our app.
Follow our KCRA weather team on social media
Meteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.
Watch our forecasts on TV or online
Here’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.
We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.