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Extreme Cold

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Alerts, Warnings & Orders

Freeze warnings pose a significant health risk, particularly to the elderly, young children, the unsheltered and those with chronic illness. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare before a cold front or winter storm hits. Preparing for Extreme Cold »

Sonoma County cold weather resources

Sonoma County works closely with local homeless providers to ensure needs are being met and helps augment with additional resources as needed during freeze alerts. Where noted, these facilities and spaces are in addition to year-round shelters. The additional beds and spaces help protect people from the year’s harshest weather. Spaces may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and may offer wraparound services as well.

Guerneville

West County Community Services

Services and navigation provided at the former Bank of America building. For more information visit: https://www.westcountyservices.org/emergency-winter-shelter/

Petaluma

COTS (Committee on the Shelterless) at 900 Hopper Street for overnight warming from 6 p.m. - 7 a.m. COTS will also expedite shelter intakes for folks interested in housing-focused shelter options. Warm lunch and dinner provided to anyone in the community who needs it, regardless of whether they are residing in the shelter.

COTS can accommodate up to three for overnight periods in the cafeteria space during the cold snap. The COTS outreach team will carry wet-weather items this week including umbrellas and ponchos for people who do not want to come into the shelter. Transportation and same-day application processing will be completed for individuals who desire a shelter option.

Santa Rosa

Social Advocates for Youth 

Operating December 1 through March 31.  Nightly shelter for youth ages 18-24 to escape the cold temperatures. Winter shelter is being held in the Multi-Purpose rooms at Dream Center. Call the crisis line before 5 pm (1-888-729-0012) to reserve a spot OR Drop in at Coffee House Teen Shelter before 5 pm to reserve a spot located at 1243 Ripley St. Santa Rosa Details are:

  • Site is only for youths age 18-24
  • After reserving a spot, youth must arrive at Coffee House Teen Shelter from 6 pm-7 pm for transportation to Dream Center
  • Call for crisis line to reserve your spot 1-888-729-0012

Homeless Resources

Coordinated Entry is a streamlined system designed to efficiently match people experiencing homelessness to available supportive housing programs. It prioritizes those who are most in need of assistance and provides crucial information that helps communities strategically allocate resources and identify gaps in service. Sonoma County’s Coordinated Entry system employs a Housing First model that prioritizes individuals and families facing the highest vulnerability and needs for permanent, supportive housing. Coordinated Entry is not an emergency response system. For more information visit: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/development-services/community-development-commission/divisions/homeless-services/get-help

Sandbags

The use of sandbags is a simple but effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage and erosion. Properly filled and placed sandbags can act as a barrier to divert moving water.

For information about sandbag stations in your area, visit:

In unincorporated Sonoma County, sand and sandbags will be available at the following locations: