A wintery snowy scene / Photographer: Chris Waage
As the weather gets colder this season some annual community resources will be opening to the public. December is the first of a stretch of several months when temperatures will regularly be dropping below freezing, and so every year the residents of our island bring forth resources to help with the dangerous temperatures.
When it gets colder, dressing for the weather is essential, both for comfort and for safety. The Orcas Community Resource center provides new cold weather clothes along with other necessities for those who need them at their Coates clinic. The Orcas Island Food Bank will continue to provide food through the winter season and will be open to all on Tuesdays from 12:00p.m.-6:30p.m. as well as Fridays from 11:00a.m.-6:30p.m.. Monthly dinners at Emmanuel Episcopal church continue on the last Thursday of every month from 5:00p.m.-6:30p.m.
When temperatures drop below freezing the severe weather shelter will open in the basement of the Community Church. The entrance is on the east side of the basement. Everyone who needs to stay the night must be checked in between 7:00p.m. and 9:00p.m. and ready to leave by 8:00a.m. The community church can also provide a three day supply of firewood to those who need it if they are contacted. The community resource center and OPALCO have partnered to bring Project Pal to the community. Project Pal helps to pay for winter utility bills, which are often much higher than the rest of the year. Applications are available on the OPALCO website.