SNOHOMISH COUNTY, DEC. 6: Snohomish County announced that they are investing $1.5 million of its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation into heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements yesterday, Dec. 5.
The improvements will be made at community libraries and senior centers, which commonly use their facilities as warming, cooling, or cleaner air centers, according to a press release from the county.
Funds will provide HVAC improvements at 22 locations across the county. Recipients include Everett Public Libraries, Sno-Isle Libraries, Lake Ballinger Center, Monroe Community Senior Center, Sky Valley Center, and Stilly Valley Center.
“Snohomish County’s ARPA funding allowed us to install a modern HVAC system in our decades-old Sky Valley Center, which used to get so hot in the summer that we’d need to close. The HVAC system will allow us to operate all year round while serving as a warming and cooling center for the entire community on days with extreme temperatures,” said Cory Armstrong-Hoss, Executive Director of Senior Services at Volunteers of America.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of death among all weather-related hazards. During the 2021 heat dome alone, there were 138 heat-related deaths across the state including 15 in Snohomish County.
“The Everett Public Library is proud to serve our community in many important ways, including being one of the few public spaces accessible to all. While HVAC may not seem critical to some, these systems play a significant role in keeping our library spaces comfortable and safe. We thank Snohomish County for their support and look forward to a continued partnership to serve as a reliable cooling, warming and cleaner air center,” said Abigail Cooley, Everett Public Library Director.
As we enter the cold months, Snohomish County created a portal to locate active warming centers and cold weather safety resources.
Cold Weather Shelters typically open when overnight temperatures are expected to be 34 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Everett Cold Weather Shelters:
- Everett Public Libraries (Daytime)
- Main Branch, 2702 Hoyt Ave.
- Evergreen Branch, 9512 Evergreen Way
- Hours:
- Tuesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday, 12-8 p.m.
- Friday,10 a.m. -5 p.m.
- Saturday, 12-5 p.m.
- Sno-Isle Everett Mariner Library (Daytime)
- 520 128th St SW
- Hours
- Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- United Church of Christ
- 2625 Rockefeller, Everett
- Intake hours open at 8p.m. and closes at 10 p.m.
- Women and Children’s Shelter
- 5126 S. 2nd Ave
- Intake hours open at 4 p.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Youth needing cold weather shelter will be directed to Cocoon House, a local non-profit. You can reach them at (425) 259-5802.
If you are in need of transportation to a cold weather shelter, Everett Transit is providing no fare trips to and from shelter locations.
Based off a press release from Snohomish County Health Services.
