A local church has answered the call, and together with multiple community partners is opening a cold weather shelter to protect vulnerable persons from bitter overnight temperatures. 

The shelter will open at 7 p.m. tonight at Generations Church, 8240 64th St. N.E. Shelter guests may arrive between 7 and 9:30 p.m.; after 9:30 p.m., people must be accompanied by uniformed law enforcement for admittance. Cots, blankets, pillows, snacks and water will be provided. 

“Thank you so much to everyone who has had a hand in getting this open,” Mayor Jon Nehring said. “A very special thank you to Pastor (Craig) Laughlin for opening up his church and making this happen during such a critical time.” 

When Snohomish County Human Resources officials reached out about the need for a cold weather shelter in the Marysville area, Pastor Laughlin was interested. The city building inspector and Marysville Fire Marshal worked together with Generations Church to fast-track site approval during this weather emergency. Marysville’s embedded social worker team also helped make it happen. 

“We appreciate the strong partnership with Mayor Nehring and the City of Marysville,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Looking out for our most vulnerable residents is a priority for all of us”

The shelter plans to operate when temperatures are expected to be below 34 degrees overnight. It will provide 25 beds and can expand to accommodate up to 50 people if needed. The shelter will follow COVID protocols including social distancing, spacing beds, and mask wearing. In addition, shelter has been provided with PPE and portable HEPA filters to improve ventilation.

Community Transit offers free bus service for riders who say they are going to or from a shelter. CT Route 209 currently serves this location on a snow route. Find the schedule and route map at https://www.communitytransit.org/busservice/schedules/route/209.  

Volunteer staff are needed to help keep the shelter open in the nights ahead. Volunteers will need to watch a training video, help check people in and out, and remind people of the rules. They will need to do periodic walks around the interior of the building. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and be willing to complete an overnight shift. To volunteer, please email PastorCraig@GenerationsCommunity.org or Tyler.Verda@co.snohomish.wa.us. 

Shelter rules 

• Masks are mandatory.
• No smoking or vaping after doors are locked at 9:30 p.m. 
• No alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or any illicit drugs. 
• No physical or verbal abuse of any kind, including foul language or offensive talk. 
• Pets (dogs and cats) must be crated. If you don’t have a crate, one can be provided. 
• No food after lights out.
• The facility cannot accommodate shopping carts full of belongings; guests are allowed to bring a reasonable amount of personal belongings inside.