High Desert homeless shelters nearing capacity
Even with extra beds, Bend homeless shelters are filling up during this cold snap.
The Shepherd’s House in Bend said Wednesday all of its beds, and all but one of its extra mats are full. They are accepting applications in case more beds or mats open up.
The Bethlehem Inn is almost at capacity. All of its family units are full and only a few beds are available.
Wednesday night, the shelter was opening its kitchen and lounges as warming and resting areas, in hopes that the people who need the assistance will come get it.
“If your gear gets wet, you really can not stay warm, and you risk the chance of hypothermia,” said Gwenn Wysling, the Bethlehem Inn’s executive director. “Also hunger, and really just I think some emotional damage that you can do when you are just feeling like nobody out there cares for you.”
Wysling also said very cold nights like Wednesday night are too cold to sleep in cars.
Shelters like the Bethlehem Inn are always looking for donations of money, food, clothing and other supplies.
To learn more about how you can help visit the non-profits’ Websites.
Bethleheminn.org
myshepherdshouse.org
