Spokane, N. Idaho warming centers activated

Three warming centers in Spokane and four in North Idaho are being activated starting tonight as a result of a forecasted intrusion of arctic air from Canada. The centers are kept open so that homeless persons can stay warm when temperatures are expected to fall to 15 degrees or lower and when regular overnight accommodations have been at capacity in Spokane. North Idaho centers have slightly different opening conditions. Spokane’s expected low tonight is 14 degrees to be followed by zero and minus-1 for Thursday and Friday nights in the downtown area. Highs should reach the teens. The Spokane warming centers are at the House of Charity, 32 W. Pacific Ave., for single men over 18; Hope House, 111 W. Third Ave., for single women over 18; and the Salvation Army, 222 E. Indiana Ave., for families and couples. Two St. Vincent de Paul centers at 207 W. Seventh St. in Post Falls and 117 E. Walnut St. in Coeur d’Alene will open tonight starting at 6 p.m. through New Year’s night. St. Vincent is seeking donations of warm food at both sites. If you can help, contact coordinator Joe Hutchinson at (208) 699-7886. Sandpoint’s warming shelter at the First Baptist Church at Michigan and Division will be open tonight at 7 p.m. and Thursday night and possibly through the weekend depending on weather. Also, the Fresh Start Warming Center at 16th Avenue and Sherman Street in Coeur d’Alene will be open tonight at 7:30 p.m. and each night through the weekend. To help with donations, contact Howard Martinson at (208) 661-1524.