Warming center reopens tonight

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Onward Roseburg will reopen the Roseburg Warming Center tonight through at least Wednesday night, March 1, thanks to continued support from volunteers and the community.

Warming center operator Kimetha Stallings, founder of Onward Roseburg, was able to quickly line up enough volunteers to be able to open Monday night, Feb. 27. She will continue to monitor weather forecasts to determine whether to keep the overnight shelter open past Wednesday night.

So far, 77 volunteers – including at least two Roseburg City Councilors – have volunteered for evening, overnight or morning shifts that include serving hot dinners and breakfasts. Stallings said she’s been impressed by the volunteer turnout.

“This is a volunteer operation. The effort really comes from the community and people giving of themselves,” Stallings said. “And I’m just thrilled.”

This winter, 299 individuals have sought overnight shelter while others have come just for dinner. The center has increased cots from 60 to 75, with additional room for pets. Everyone in need of temporary overnight shelter on especially cold winter nights is welcome at the center housed in the Roseburg Senior Center, 1614 SE Stephens St.

Warming center check-in starts at 6 p.m. A free senior center shuttle will make a circuit around town for guests starting about 5:30 p.m. and then again in the morning. People can arrive any time during the night and stay until 8 a.m. A cot, blanket and pillow plus hot dinner and breakfast are provided.

Volunteers can sign up at signupgenius.com: https://bit.ly/3EuO5nX.

Donations that are being sought now include new socks, women's and men’s pants, hoodies, coats, sleeping bags and handwarmers.

The City’s Severe Event Shelter Policy, Resolution No. 2020-22, provides operational standards for organizations seeking City approval to open a temporary emergency shelter in buildings not designated as residential occupancy. Those operational standards include allowing a warming shelter to open during severe weather:

• on nights when the low temperatures are predicted to be 30 degrees Fahrenheit or less;

• or when low temperatures are forecasted to be 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less with additional factors that could increase a person’s risk of exposure to cold such as precipitation, wind, fog and sustained low temperatures. 

In addition, the Roseburg Rescue Mission offers overnight shelter at 752 SE Pine St. all year.