Everett man takes action to help keep people cool this weekend

Everett Man is taking steps to keep people cool this weekend

There is a need to help people suffering from extreme heat this weekend and an Everett man takes up the challenge right away.

EVERETT, wash. – There is a need to help people suffering from extreme heat this weekend and an Everett man takes up the challenge right away.

Jason Cockburn is the founder of the Second Chance Foundation, an organization that provides scholarships and recreational opportunities for ex-prisoners and the homeless.

Usually, Cockburn uses his space on Colby Avenue in Everett as a recreation center for people with addiction, but this weekend he saw a different need.

“People who are already going through a crisis get into a heat wave,” he said.

In just a few days, Cockburn was organized. He reached into his own pockets as well as his network of connections to create a cold room.

CONNECTED: Issaquah is preparing for extreme temperatures with a cooling center

“I am stubborn. I don’t like the lengthy conversations about doing something, ”he said.

From Friday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., people are welcome to come in and cool off in the air conditioning. The center offers drinks and snacks, as well as free clothing. On Sundays, Cockburn hosts a barbecue evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. As always, information and resources will also be available for long-term recovery.

“I’m not going to ask where you are from or where you need to. If you’re hot and you want to cool off, this is the place for you,” he said.

Cockburn says he knows how bad it can be on the street with no refuge. He says he experienced homelessness for about 25 years of his own life, starting when he was a kid.

CONNECTED: Northshore Senior Center is reopening as a cooling station for excessive heat

“There are people out there and if you don’t stop taking care of these people, there are days when help doesn’t come,” he said.

Cockburn said he was lucky to find help and that is why he is doing this job today. With the help of donations and volunteers, he can offer these services this weekend. If you are interested in getting involved, you can click here.

He also asks for the refrigeration center to be publicized so people know there are opportunities.

The refrigeration center is located at 3602 Colby Avenue in Everett. The barbecue evening is open to everyone and is on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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