12/16/08: Kitsap Sun: Big Freeze Prompts Jumbo Shelter at Fairgrounds
12/20/08: Bremerton Patriot: Gimme shelter: center opens at Kitsap County Fairgrounds

Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management (KCDEM) and the Continuum of Care Coalition are partnering to open overnight shelters for the homeless during winter’s severe weather.

Shelters will be in Bremerton and Port Orchard. The shelters will open when temperatures fall to freezing or below or when an inch of rain or snow is predicted.

Donations are accepted at 1201 Park Ave., Bremerton, WA. Please contact Jim at (360) 473-2047 if you have questions.

Items Needed Include:
• Towels, linens, pillows, shower curtains & rings, shower caddies
• Personal Hygiene items including: Shampoo & Conditioner, Toilet Paper, Feminine Hygiene Products, Soap & Deodoran, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss, Razors and Shaving Cream
• Kitchen items including: Can Openers, Ziplock Bags, Plastic and/or Paper Grocery Bags, Trash Bags
• Infant Care Items including: wipes, bottles, blankets, infant formula & baby food, diapers
• Non-Perishable Nutritious Food including: Canned Beans, Canned Tuna, Dry Cereal, Canned Vegetables Canned, Dried Fruits, Canned or Boxed Soups – Instant, Granola Bars and Other Nutritional Snacks, Nuts , Crackers, Peanut Butter, Jelly and Jam
• Winter Hats and Gloves
• Bus Passes and Tokens
• Children’s Games

Volunteers are also needed
Volunteers are needed to help staff the shelters from about 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Download Emergency Shelter Volunteer flyer for more information.