Transition Projects, Inc. (TPI) opened a winter shelter this week, one that offers something other don't - the opportunity for couples to spend the night together rather than being separated by gender. The shelter, at NE 3rd and Burnside, is one of only two in Portland that allows couples to sleep together, writes Anne Saker in this morning's Oregonian.

At a press conference this morning, Nick joined Commissioner Deborah Kafoury and County Chair Ted Wheeler to announce the comprehensive set of winter services the City and County will provide this winter.

TPI and Human Solutions will offer winter warming shelters to families and individuals each night through March. Two day shelters will offer options for homeless families - one in SE and one in SW. A warming shelter for homeless families will open nightly on NE 81st. Additionally, a warming center for adults will open nightly through March.

Joining TPI and Human Solutions are dozens of non-profit and religious organizations offering services and places to keep warm and dry during the winter.

"With winter fast approaching, we must ensure that people who have no choice but to sleep outside are safe," Commissioner Fish said at this morning's press conference. "Now more than ever, it's time for our community to come together to face this humanitarian crisis."

For more information about shelter locations, hours, and services, call 211 or see Anne Saker's piece in today's Oregonian.