Warming shelter reopens next week

ROSEBURG – With next week’s weather forecast calling for possible rain and snow and overnight lows down to 25 degrees, an overnight warming shelter will reopen in Roseburg Monday through Thursday nights.

The shelter at 406 Winchester Ave. will be open Monday, Feb. 21; Tuesday, Feb. 22; Wednesday, Feb. 23; and Thursday, Feb. 24. The Roseburg Senior Center will cater two hot meals at dinner and breakfast, said shelter operator Kimetha Stallings of Onward Roseburg.

The shelter can use donations of blankets and pillows. However, Stallings said blankets must be washable and asks that comforters and large blankets not be donated because of difficulties in washing them.

Check-in begins at 6 p.m. Those in need of shelter should arrive by 9 p.m. A cot, blanket and pillow are provided to anyone staying the night. Overnight guests can remain at the center until about 7:00 a.m.

The volunteer schedule is being filled now. Anyone interested in volunteering can call or text Stallings at 541-236-2089. Be sure to specify which shift or shifts you’re available for: evening (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.), overnight (11 p.m. to 4 a.m.) or morning (4 a.m. to 9 a.m.).

The shelter and Onward Roseburg has a limited supply of tents, tarps and sleeping bags. They will accept donations of those survival-gear items to give out if the center becomes full and must turn anyone away. The maximum capacity is 24 guests. Donations of blankets, sweatshirts and jeans also are welcome.

The shelter and Onward Roseburg has a supply of thermal underwear, backpacks, handmade hat/scarf sets, socks, hand warmers, bungee cords, women’s zip-up sweaters, hygiene kits and umbrellas to give out, said Stallings.

United Community Action Network and Adapt originally opened the shelter Monday, Dec. 27. The Dream Center provided the 24 cots and bedding, and the City has helped with expenses. Adapt and Stallings later signed an agreement allowing UCAN to turn over shelter operations to Onward Roseburg. Adapt owns the building, which is expected to be used as a warming center during extreme cold weather through March 31 on nights when low temperatures are predicted to be 30 degrees or less, or 32 degrees with rain, snow, wind and/or sustained cold.

In addition, the Roseburg Rescue Mission offers overnight shelter at 752 S.E. Pine St.