Seattle, King County adding more beds to emergency shelters ahead of snowstorm

A layer of snow still coats downtown Seattle Monday afternoon, as seen from Dr. Jose Rizal Park, Feb. 4, 2019. Seattle saw several inches of snow accumulate over Sunday night and Monday morning. A layer of snow still coats downtown Seattle Monday afternoon, as seen from Dr. Jose Rizal Park, Feb. 4, 2019. Seattle saw several inches of snow accumulate over Sunday night and Monday morning. Photo: GENNA MARTIN, Seattlepi.com Photo: GENNA MARTIN, Seattlepi.com Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Seattle, King County adding more beds to emergency shelters ahead of snowstorm 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

The impending snow storm -- the size of which has fluctuated since meteorologists first heard of it -- may not hit this weekend, but it is coming.

The city has urged residents to remember to shovel their sidewalks or face a fine, disability rights activists have piggybacked on the city's messaging saying, "Don't snow us in."

Services to accommodate vulnerable people are popping up as the frigid, and potentially frozen weather moves in. Several Seattle-area shelters are opening this weekend, most on Sunday, the Seattle Center among them.

From Sunday through Jan. 19, the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall will have over 100 beds for any adult, and their pets, said Mark Reardon, a strategic advisor for the Seattle Human Services Department. While children aren't allowed, families won't be exactly turned away.

RELATED: Ahead of possible snow, city warns: Shovel your sidewalks or pay

"If children or families require shelter, which is very uncommon, they are strategically redirected to a shelter, at this time, Mary’s Place," Reardon said in an email.

Mary's Place in turn is using an ongoing program with Uber and Lyft to help families reach emergency shelters.

"We use ride credits that Uber and Lyft give us," said Linda Mitchell, spokeswoman for Mary’s Place. "We can help a family who gets in touch with us, find a location that they're interested in. The program helps them get there."

Mary's Place also tweeted that families who need shelter can get in touch with them through the King County Emergency Family Shelter Intake Line by dialing 206-245-1026.

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Mitchell said the ride credits pay for the ride in full.

Reardon also said the King County Administrative Building's emergency shelter would be adding another 50 or so beds, almost doubling its current count. That shelter will be adult-only as well.

As for during the day, the Seattle Center has that covered as well. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Armory will be open for those wanting to escape the daytime freezing hours.