After 24 days of a chilly, bone-shuddering fog covering Sacramento, locals living outdoors are now bracing for a week of severe rainstorms. According to reports, the Sacramento Valley has already been experiencing an unusually cold December. However, judging by recent history, the looming downpours present a worse threat to those sleeping on the streets.  

At the beginning of December, First Step Communities and Sacramento County opened a large weather respite center on Branch Center Road to help people find safety. The location serves up to eighty people, allowing them to shower and rest in a secured, comfortable place. The center also has outreach workers who are helping unhoused individual transition into long-term shelter or housing. The operation plans to run at least until Jan. 5, but needs more supplies donated from the public to make that work.

Kayley Glaspell, a community information specialist for First Steps, said that the center needs gently used winter clothing, especially men’s clothing, as well as hygiene items, towels, blankets and dog food. The only type of donation that must be brand new is underwear.

Glaspell added that, for people who want to donate any or all of those items, staff is present  24-hours a day at the center at 4000 Brach Center Road, Sacramento, to accept them.

“The need is pretty massive,” Glaspell noted. “People are coming in with really nothing. We’re trying to meet lots of needs here.”