Bend shelters expand for snowy days, cold nights
Overnight temperatures are forecast to drop into the single digits this Thanksgiving week as well. Those who sleep outdoors would experience the coldest temperatures so far this season.
“It can get bitingly cold here in Central Oregon as you know,” Bethlehem Inn Managing Director Chris Clouart said Monday. “It doesn’t take long for somebody who is out there without protection to be harmed.”
Often on cold nights, sleeping bags and blankets won’t be enough to keep people who sleep outside warm. The city of Bend declared an emergency on Nov. 10 in preparation for the winter season. The declaration will be used when overnight temperatures fall below 25 degrees.
Shelters such as the Bethlehem Inn and The Shepherd’s House will allow more occupants to stay overnight while the declaration is in effect. The Bethlehem Inn is able to house up to 12 more people than normal, and The Shepherd’s House can house up to 30 more, under the city order.
“It’s an ability to get people outside from the cold, into a space that’s warm,” Clouart said.
Shelters across Central Oregon are in need of sleeping bags, food, and other donations:
