Sequim resident urges city to partner with OlyCAP after warming center closures; council agrees to meet with provider

Jean Prachner, a Sequim resident and longtime organizer of local warming services, told the council she tracked nightly NOAA temperatures and found the community warming center — now operated by OlyCAP at St. Luke’s Church — did not open as often as the program’s stated temperature threshold. Prachner said she recorded dates and times and offered to share the data with council and staff.

Prachner said she initially started a volunteer-run warming center that served 10–20 people per night; over time OlyCAP took over operations. She said some people who rely on the warming center are longstanding Sequim residents and that on multiple very cold nights the center was closed.

Councilors and staff discussed options for follow-up. Several council members asked staff to arrange a meeting with OlyCAP so the city can better understand operational barriers — for example, whether openings are constrained by staffing, volunteer availability or funding — and whether the city can partner or offer facilities or other support. City staff said they would reach out to OlyCAP and coordinate a separate meeting or facility tour with interested council members.

Councilors noted Police Department and prior partners have worked with the warming center and that a focused conversation off the council agenda would likely be the most efficient first step. Councilors who volunteered to meet with OlyCAP included Vicky Lowe and Rachel Anderson; staff said they would coordinate schedules and a meeting time.

Prachner asked the city to consider formal partnership to ensure the warming center is open when community members face dangerously cold conditions; the council did not adopt a policy at the meeting but agreed to pursue a meeting with the provider.