By the Gazette-Times | Posted: Saturday, August 9, 2008 12:00 am
Clouds may have rolled in to cool off the mid-valley, but the National Weather Service is already predicting the temperatures will climb back into the high 80s by next week.
Heat can be devastating to the most vulnerable populations, including the very young, the elderly and those without adequate shelter. At Community Outreach Inc., which offers emergency and transitional shelter for homeless and low-income residents in Corvallis, the heat can make their shelter stifling.
"Some of our social service assistants are getting really hot up there," said Greg Smith of COI.
According to COI Social Services Director Irisha Niles-Flamez, lack of air conditioning has been a big problem this summer, and she's hoping community members can donate box fans to help them cool down the building, which serves as a dormitory at night.
In addition, Niles-Flamez is looking for donations of basic household items, including alarm clocks and kitchen supplies, such as can openers.
"With 40 or more people moving in or out of the shelter, these things get broken or disappear," she said in a release Friday.
In addition to these urgent needs, the organization also keeps an ongoing list of items needed to serve clients, including hygiene products, bedding, baby items and office supplies. A complete wish list can be found on the organization's home page at www.communityoutreachinc.org. Donations are accepted at 865 N.W. Reiman Ave., between Buchanan and Polk avenues off Ninth Street. For information, call 758-3000.