SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - With the National Weather Service forecasting temperatures near 100 degrees on several days this week, the City of Sacramento will activate the Auburn Boulevard Outreach and Engagement Center through Thursday to provide a place for people to escape the heat.

The center, at 3615 Auburn Blvd., will be open from 2 to 10 p.m. Aug. 2-4. It can accommodate up to 50 people at a time and offers space for pets and belongings in addition to water, snacks and device recharging.

The non-profit contractor that operates the Auburn Boulevard site for the City of Sacramento is continuing to hire more staff, but the site is not yet open for overnight guests. The City anticipates being able to open the facility as a full-time outreach and engagement center that also offers overnight respite within the next 30 days.

The Sacramento City Council recently voted unanimously to allow the center to open for respite regardless of weather conditions. Previously this summer, the site was only activated when the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory.

In addition to this heat respite center, public libraries and City of Sacramento community centers are open during their regular business hours, and people can also use these buildings to escape the heat. Their hours will vary.