Warming shelter reopens in Roseburg

ROSEBURG -- An overnight warming shelter will be open at 406 Winchester Ave. in Roseburg tonight, Jan. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Check-in begins at 6:00 p.m. Those in need of shelter should arrive by 9 p.m. A hot dinner and breakfast will be catered by the Roseburg Senior Center. 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 shelter was opened last night – for the second time this winter – by its new operator, Kimetha Stallings of Onward Roseburg. A dozen guests stayed overnight Monday, she said.

Most volunteer coverage is already arranged. However, anyone interested in volunteering can call or text Greg at 360-775-6221 to be put on a volunteer on-call list. 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, handwarmers, 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, in the Winchester Avenue building. The Dream Center provided 24 cots and bedding, and the City 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. all year.