Unprecedented heat grips the Pacific Northwest, pushing temperatures into the triple digits and triggering excessive heat warnings across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

 

Cooling centers have opened throughout the region, with locations in Portland, Gresham, and Vancouver extending hours to give residents a break from the intense heat.

 

Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Marion, Jackson, Deschutes, and Clark counties all have public libraries, churches, and community centers serving as vital refuges.

 

TriMet is offering free rides to those traveling to and from cooling centers each day, making access easier for everyone concerned about the historic temperatures.

 

Overnight lows won’t offer much relief, increasing the risk for vulnerable populations.

 

Residents are strongly urged to stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and use these cooling sites to beat the dangerous heat.

Clackamas County is investing over $7.2 million in grants to help cities tackle homelessness with locally chosen solutions.

 

This funding will benefit Canby, Estacada, Gladstone, Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Molalla, Oregon City, Sandy, West Linn, and Wilsonville.

 

Each city will use the funds for initiatives meeting its community’s needs, such as Gladstone’s enhanced food pantry, Milwaukie’s rent assistance to prevent evictions, and Sandy’s new community services officer.

 

County chair Tootie Smith underscored the push for creative and collaborative solutions tailored to each city.

 

Unlike neighboring Multnomah County’s centralized strategy, Clackamas County’s direct grants empower cities to innovate and support vulnerable residents in ways that fit local challenges.

 

This decentralized approach is designed to build lasting partnerships and address the root causes of homelessness for Clackamas County residents.