‘Really a lifeline’: Bend’s warming shelter prepares for winter storm
(Update: Adding video, comments)
Fully or nearly full since opening; seeks blankets, hand warmers, ice melt
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As Central Oregon prepares for a few days of snow and bitter cold, Bend's official warming shelter expects to be at full capacity -- as it has been for much of the winter.
Bend's warming shelter has a capacity of about 70 people, a number that Dave Notari, director of development with Shepherd's House Ministries, says the shelter has been at since it opened in late November.
“This shelter is really a lifeline, in the true sense of the word," Notari said. "It’s a life-and-death matter for people who have to brave the elements.”
Right now, Shepherd's House Ministries' warming shelter is one of the only warming shelters in Bend. The Bethlehem Inn has not able to offer its warming shelter services this winter because of COVID-19.
“We’re going to do everything we can to make sure no one gets turned away,” Notari told NewsChannel 21 on Wednesday.
The warming shelter operates during the coldest times of the day, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Notari said those hours could change, if the snow gets really bad.
If you would like to help out, the warming shelter still needs blankets, hand warmers and ice melt, which you can drop off at the shelter at 275 NE Second Street.
