Press Release:

Eureka’s Extreme Weather Winter Shelter will once again be available to homeless people in Eureka from November through March, when extreme weather conditions exist. This is the third year that the shelter has been in operation. It is a successful partnership with Eureka Rescue Mission, Redwood Teen Challenge, St. Vincent de Paul, and the National Weather Service on Woodley Island, the City of Eureka, and Eureka Main Street. 

Between November 2011 and March 2013 there were 67 times that the NWS issued alerts. In that time the shelter was opened 37 days, and provided a warm, dry place for 565 men (the Mission has extra room for women and children) during extreme conditions, (temperatures at or below 32 degrees, temperatures at or below 34 when rains expected, wind speeds in excess of 40 mph or create a wind chill factor of 32 degrees, or rains of more than 1 inch overnight). 

St. Vincent’s Dining Facility serves as the overflow location for men, if the Rescue Mission, located on Second Street reaches capacity. The Rescue Mission serves as the intake for the EWWS. Teen Challenge helps set up the shelter, and also volunteers to stay on site assisting program coordinator

Steven Bell, the only paid staff. When the shelter is open, the hours are 6 p.m.-6 a.m. The Eureka Rescue Mission Women’s Shelter, located on Third Street, also serves as an extreme weather winter shelter, for women and children. 

“Eureka is very supportive of the program, recognizing the importance of helping prevent people from dying of exposure during bad weather,” explains Councilman Mike Newman. “I have been impressed with the way the Rescue Mission, St. Vincent, and Teen Challenge have been able to work so successfully. Steven Bell does a tremendous job coordinating with Betty Chinn, Eureka Police, and other agencies on days the alerts happen.” 

Eureka Main Street is the administrator of the EWWS. They are a 501(c) (3), and all monies donated go directly to operating the shelter. The shelter is currently seeking donations to help cover overnight staffing costs. For more information, please contact Charlotte McDonald, Executive Director of

Eureka Main Street at 707 442-9054, or make charitable donations to EMS at 525 Second Street, Suite 105, Eureka 95501.