Cooling centers available as extreme heat looms
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning that will be in effect from 11 a.m. Sunday through 11 p.m. Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to reach 95 to 99 degrees.
The Council for the Homeless matched that warning with an emergency alert of its own that increases shelter capacity and offers additional resources.
Where to cool off
Living Hope Church, 2711 N.E. Andresen Road, Vancouver, is open as a cooling center from 1:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Pets in kennels are allowed with guests.
Mill Plain United Methodist Church, 15804 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash or in a kennel, according to a news release from Council for the Homeless.
C-Tran will not turn anyone away who is riding to a cooling center. Passengers should tell the operator as they board that they are headed to a center, and fares will be waived.
How to help
City and county personnel should refer people seeking cooling spaces to the housing hotline at 360-695-9677.
People experiencing homelessness have a much higher risk of heat-related illnesses due to prolonged exposure to the elements. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common conditions that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, weakness, muscle cramps and unsteady gait. Move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water and seek medical help if symptoms don't improve.
Signs of heat stroke include confusion, delirium, seizures, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and a rapid and strong pulse. Skin might be hot, red, dry, damp or very pale. Call for medical help.
This story was made possible by Community Funded Journalism, a project from The Columbian and the Local Media Foundation. Top donors include the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Patricia, David and Jacob Nierenberg, Connie and Lee Kearney, Steve and Jan Oliva, The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation and the Mason E. Nolan Charitable Fund. The Columbian controls all content. For more information, visit columbian.com/cfj.
Unlock all stories. Stay informed.
Starting at just $1.99/week
Become a subscriber and get unlimited access to every story, plus our ePaper and app for seamless reading anywhere. Stay informed, support local journalism, and stay connected to your community.
Subscribe today
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.