Island County is partnering with Whidbey and Camano organizations to provide emergency warming centers this winter.

As the weather cools down and winter storms cause power outages, people may find themselves in need of a reliably warm place to stay. Eric Brooks, deputy emergency management director of Island County, said that while the county has partnered with island organizations on warming services before, this year’s mass cooperation effort is the first of its kind.

The Whidbey Homeless Coalition is leading the charge, Brooks said. The coalition operates the House of Hope on the South End and the Haven on the North End. During inclement events this season, the coalition and SPiN Cafe will open overnight emergency shelters for those without access to heat, with the support of Island County.

Tanya Gran, interim executive director of the Whidbey Homeless Coalition, said the coalition is already aware of at least 12 to 15 individuals on the South End who will likely need access to warming shelters due to being homeless or living in insufficient housing. Gran said the coalition has not yet finalized a South End warming center location but is working with local churches to do so.

On the North End, SPiN Cafe will provide overnight and weekend shelter on an emergency basis for those who cannot go to the Haven, which rotates among various churches in Oak Harbor and Coupeville.

“We’re happy to provide these services for the most vulnerable in our community,” SPiN Executive Director Michele Chapman said.

Brooks said the Island County Emergency Management and Human Services departments will lend support as needed, by providing volunteers, blankets, cots and other resources as the situation demands.

There is no specific triggering factor that will determine when the emergency warming centers will be opened, Brooks said. Rather, the county and its partners will consider all circumstances together, including temperature, weather events, loss of power and more when determining the need.

Gran said the coalition will post online when emergency warming centers will be opened. She said the coalition will pay attention to weather reports and let people know as far in advance as possible when the centers will be open based on how likely the need is.

The county will also share warming center information on its Facebook page, distribute flyers and reach out directly to individuals and families that have been identified as needing these services.

Brooks recommended that those who are able prepare now for cold weather.

“We’re going to push winter safety,” he said.

He recommended that Island County residents have blankets, food, water and updated emergency supplies at home to stay warm and avoid traveling in inclement weather. If anyone intends to use a heater, he urged them to make sure it is intended for indoor use to mitigate risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning.