Onward Roseburg is seeking volunteers to help open the Roseburg Warming Center from Saturday night, January 29, through Wednesday morning, February 1, according to a release from the City of Roseburg.
According to warming center operator Kimetha Stallings, everyone in need of temporary overnight shelter on these cold winter nights will be welcomed at the center housed in the Roseburg Senior Center, 1614 SE Stephens Street.
“This isn’t a homeless warming center. It’s a community warming center,” said Stallings, founder of Onward Roseburg. “Some families may have trouble keeping heat on. It’s open for anybody.”
The National Weather Service forecasts currently call for overnight lows of 18 to 26 degrees Sunday through Tuesday nights.
“There is a real risk of death when temperatures get that low,” said Stallings, who added the warming center may reopen the following weekend if overnight temperatures take another plunge.
Check-in begins at 6 p.m. with 60 cots available for guests and volunteers. A free senior center shuttle will make one circuit around town to pick up guests starting about 5:30 p.m. and operate again in the morning, however individuals can arrive any time during the night.
A cot, blanket and pillow plus hot dinner and breakfast are provided. Guests can stay until 8 a.m. each morning.
Volunteers can sign up via Facebook, or on SignUpGenius. Stallings will seek laundry-day volunteers later.
Donations needed include winter pants for women and men, jackets, scarves, socks, gloves and hand warmers. Recently, a community member donated 35 to 40 winter jackets bought on sale at Costco after pooling money with friends, Stallings said.
The City may help pay operating costs if needed. Also, the Roseburg Rescue Mission offers overnight shelter at 752 SE Pine St. all year.