Warming shelter open at senior center

ROSEBURG, Ore. – An overnight warming shelter will be open again tonight and tomorrow in Roseburg to provide a warm and dry place for some of our most vulnerable residents.

A warming shelter has been open each night since Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Roseburg Senior Center, 1614 SE Stephens St. in Roseburg. Sixty cots are available for guests and volunteers. Up to about 30 unhoused people have sought shelter there each night, said Senior Center Board President Steve Lewis.

The shelter will be open Wednesday, Nov. 16, and Thursday, Nov. 17, shelter operator Kimetha Stallings confirmed Wednesday afternoon. The senior center will provide a free shuttle bus that will make one circuit around town to pick up guests between 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and then drive people back in the morning.

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

The City of Roseburg will help pay for operating costs, said Assistant City Manager/City Recorder Amy Sowa.

Check-in begins at 6 p.m. Those in need of shelter should arrive by 9 p.m. A cot, blanket and pillow plus a hot dinner and breakfast are provided to anyone staying the night.

Stallings accepts donations of warm clothing, sleeping bags, tents, coffee, coffee cups, cup noodles (instant ramen in a cup), soft snacks and hand warmers.

The City’s severe event shelter policy allows for a City-funded warming shelter to be open, if possible, 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.