Cook County offers emergency shelter, if needed

Due to the extreme cold, if anyone needs emergency shelter overnight, please contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office at 218-387-3030 and assistance will be arranged.

Cook County has Emergency Shelter Plans that can be exercised if needed. The Cook County YMCA is the county’s primary shelter site and the Emergency Sheltering Trailer and staff are on standby, if needed.

“So far, we have not been advised of any utility outages or needs for emergency shelter, but that can change as it gets colder, and we want to make sure that nobody is left out in this extreme cold,” said Valerie Marasco, director of Emergency Management.

“Our agencies are ready to assist with providing emergency overnight shelter if needed. During previous outages, emergency shelters have been opened and nobody has checked in, so it is important to communicate the need. We are fortunate to have a very generous community that looks after each other, but in the event anyone needs it and does not have the means to secure a warm place to stay, please let us know.”

The following local hotels have offered discounted rates for individuals needing a warm place to stay. Individuals need to make arrangements directly with the hotel.

Aspen Inn- $60 +tax – (800) 247-6020
Aspen Lodge - $69 +tax – (800) 247-6020
Shoreline - $50 +tax - (218) 387-2633

Temporary warming locations for remainder of Tuesday and for Wednesday: 

• The Cook County YMCA, located at 105 W 5th St, Grand Marais, is opening its doors free to the public today and Wednesday, as a place people can come and warm up. They YMCA’s regular hours are 6 am – 8 pm.
• The Cook County Senior Center located at 10 Broadway, Grand Marais, MN – Open 8 am – 4 pm
• The Grand Marais Public Library will now be CLOSED on Wednesday, Jan. 30, due to the extreme cold.

Report any utility outages to the utility, or if after business hours, contact Cook County Sheriff’s Office at 218-387-3030. In an emergency call 911.
 
Updates will be issued if the emergency shelter at the YMCA is opened – watch for more information.