In response to the ongoing Hawk Fire that forced the Washoe County School District to close all schools on Monday, the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows announced that four of its clubhouses will be opened as temporary shelters for affected families. The nonprofit emphasized that the locations are intended for families who need a safe and supportive place for their children while the community copes with the disruption.
Locations and Hours
The clubhouses that will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. are the Pennington Clubhouse, the Donald W. Reynolds (DWR) Clubhouse, the Neil Road Clubhouse, and the Carano Youth Center. Each site will provide supervised space for youth, along with staff assistance to help families navigate the challenges created by the fire.
Purpose and Community Impact
Club officials said the goal is to “support our families and community however we can during this challenging situation.” By offering a secure environment, the organization hopes to lessen the strain on parents who are dealing with evacuation orders, property loss, and the uncertainty of school closures. The shelters also serve as a point of contact for families seeking information about additional resources, such as emergency assistance, food distribution, and counseling services.
Background on the Hawk Fire
The Hawk Fire, which has burned thousands of acres across the Sierra Nevada foothills, prompted state and local officials to declare a state of emergency earlier this week. Evacuation orders were issued for several neighborhoods in the Reno‑Sparks area, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has been providing regular updates on routes and safety measures. As a result of the fire, the Washoe County School District announced that all schools would remain closed on Monday, with only Gerlach K‑12 staying open.
How Families Can Access the Shelters
Families seeking shelter should travel to any of the four listed clubhouses during the posted hours. Staff on site will verify that children are accompanied by a parent or guardian and will provide basic amenities, including seating areas and restroom access. The Boys & Girls Club encourages families to bring any necessary personal items, such as medications or comfort items for children, while reminding them that the facilities are intended for short‑term use while schools are closed.
Community Partnerships
The effort is part of a broader community response that includes local churches, civic groups, and government agencies working together to address the immediate needs of residents affected by the fire. While the Boys & Girls Club is a private nonprofit, its collaboration with the school district and county emergency officials underscores the importance of faith‑based and community organizations in disaster relief.
As the fire continues to be monitored, officials remind residents to stay informed through official channels and to follow evacuation orders if they are issued. The club will reassess its shelter operations each day based on the evolving situation and will communicate any changes to the public.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
