LYNNWOOD — The city will open City Hall to shelter those in need during upcoming frigid nights.
The City Council decided to open City Hall’s doors overnight as a cold weather emergency shelter in cooperation with a local network of volunteers spearheaded by area churches.
Church groups will manage the volunteers, as they have done for several years. The network also arranges for dinner and breakfast to be served to people who stay overnight.
“We have to be responsible for this population,” council President Mark Smith said. “This is a much needed service, that gets people out of the elements. It will be a tremendous partnership between the faith community and the city.”
Over the past years, church spaces were used to shelter people when a cold snap hit. The shift from using church spaces came about as city officials struggled with enforcing safety codes.
Area churches offering up facilities to be used for cold weather emergency shelters could not meet fire and safety codes that require linked smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and fire doors. For a few years, the city’s fire marshal was willing to grant an exception if shelter volunteers held a two-person fire watch throughout the night. This coming winter was the fire marshal’s deadline for the project to find suitable and safe locations.
“You have to look at life safety issues,” said Gary Olson, Lynnwood’s fire chief. “Fire departments don’t support ordinances that downgrade life safety issues.”
An audit of city facilities was taken to see what buildings would meet the fire code requirements while providing enough usable space for comfortable sleeping.
“City Hall meets those requirements,” said Smith.
The shelter area will include council chambers and the lobby of council chambers. Restroom facilities are available within that area.
People staying at City Hall will be segregated by gender. Those under the influence of drugs or alcohol and those who are smoking or drinking will not be allowed in.
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