Bend homeless shelters see record summer numbers

Two Bend homeless shelters are looking for supplies to help the homeless beat the summer heat.

Bethlehem Inn officials said on Sunday the shelter has never been completely full in the summer — until this year.

Both the Inn and The Shepherd’s House are looking for donations of bottled water, sunscreen, Gatorade and light summer clothing.

Food and cash donations also help the shelters operate on a daily basis.

Bethlehem Inn Executive Director Gwenn Wysling said her shelter is also looking for additional volunteers to help with the unexpected number of residents.

The Shepherd’s House Executive Director Curt Floski said although many people think of winter as being the hardest time on the homeless, summer elements can also be challenging.

“A number of our people that come here have medical issues too, which make them susceptible to heat and difficult to stay hydrated,” Floski said.

Floski said his shelter has been steadily serving the homeless throughout the summer.

The Bethlehem Inn is holding a fundraiser, ‘The Flashback Classic Car Show’ next Friday, Aug. 23rd from 5 to 7 p.m.

Car entries are $15 a piece, and the shelter is accepting donations as entrance to the show.

For more information: http://bethleheminn.org/ and http://www.myshepherdshouse.org/