Summary

With high temperatures expected to soar past 100 degrees through the early part of next week, the county will make 20 air-conditioned units available from 4 p.m., Saturday to 10 a.m., Wednesday. Overnight stays will be available.

Story

The White Center Cooling Center is located 206 SW 112th St., in the Top Hat neighborhood.

Those who are interested should call 206-572-5557.

The center will offer a way for residents—including those experiencing homelessness—to escape the heat. The center will welcome overnight stays as well as an air-conditioned area with water and refreshments for shorter visits.

Those who stay overnight will be able to enter and leave the facility from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The doors will be locked outside of those hours, with some exceptions for late arrivals.

Service and emotional support animals are welcome. Masks and social distancing guidelines will be followed per Washington State and King County requirements.

Teams from King County and the White Center Community Development Association will staff the site, and private security will be on-site day and night.

This effort is a partnership between DCHS, Local Services, FMD and the White Center Community Development Association.

At this time, the White Center Cooling Center will be the only such facility offered in unincorporated King County. You can find other cooling centers on the King County Emergency Management blog.

“This upcoming weekend will be especially difficult for the most vulnerable in our community,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said. “For those without the resources to escape the record heat, the White Center Cooling Center will provide some-much needed, temporary relief. I am urging all residents of King County to take the hot weather very seriously, and keep safe when keeping cool, especially around water.”

“It requires tremendous effort to set up a cooling center like this so quickly,” Local Services Director John Taylor said. “This wouldn’t have happened without our community partners, especially the White Center Community Development Association. It’s during emergencies like these that those partnerships prove invaluable for the community.”

LINKS:

• King County Emergency Management

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: 
Brent Champaco, Local Services, 206-477-9094, brent.champaco@kingcounty.gov