With another storm system bringing rain and high winds to the region, the City of Sacramento has activated weather-respite operations at both its Outreach and Engagement Center and the North Fifth Street Shelter lobby for Wednesday (Jan. 4) through Saturday morning (Jan. 7).

The Outreach and Engagement Center (3615 Auburn Blvd.) will open as a 24-hour weather respite center at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Walk-ups are accepted, and the space can accommodate 50 people, with families and pets welcome.

The North Fifth Shelter lobby (700 North Fifth St.) will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. It also will accept walk-ups and has space for up to 20 people. (Please note that North Fifth is for adults only and is unable to accommodate pets.)

In addition, the County of Sacramento has increased capacity at its North A Shelter and is opening its Howe Park Community Center as a weather-respite center. Those locations are referral only.

Sacramento Regional Transit will provide free shuttle transportation to both the Outreach and Engagement Center and the North Fifth Street Shelter. The pick-up location is City Hall on 10th Street between I and H streets, with shuttles arriving at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. The route includes a stop at the North Fifth Shelter, which also is serving as a pick-up location for the OEC (shuttle space permitting).

In addition, people can use SacRT light rail and buses for free to go to and from any weather-respite location. The SacRT light rail station at Watt/I-80 station connects to bus Route 1, which has a stop near the OEC. Riders will need to inform SacRT staff that they are going to/leaving the warming center or present the flyer below.

SacRT allows animals on leash and in cages on their vehicles. Personal belongings are limited to items people can carry themselves unassisted on one trip. (Due to limited indoor space availability at the OEC, personal items may need to be stored in a secure outdoor space while at the center.)

The City and County will continue to monitor the National Weather Service’s forecast and extend weather-respite operations as needed.