The entrance to a warming shelter welcomes visitors at First Presbyterian Church in Bend in 2021.

As the weather worsens this winter, new shelters in Central Oregon are open to those in need of a warm place to sleep.

The temperature is expected to drop below zero this weekend, with more snow to come.

Emergency shelter in Bend

The First Presbyterian Church on Ninth Street in Bend is opening an emergency shelter space for up to 30 people as well as pets from Friday at 5 p.m. until 4 p.m. Monday.

Meals will be provided to those who stay, and the church will be open 24/7 until Monday afternoon, said Brenda Simpson, the church’s justice and mission coordinator. The church is also accepting winter clothing donations.

“We’re opening to as many as we can handle, and anybody that needs to stay warm,” said Simpson.

Deschutes County’s public health department, through its preparedness and engagement program, urged the church to open its doors to homeless people living outdoors during the cold. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Central Oregon is also assisting.

It’s part of an effort to expand shelter-bed capacity across Deschutes County in extreme conditions, said Emily Horton, the program manager.

Horton added it’s important to think about housed people as well, especially neighbors, friends and family members who might have a heightened risk of slipping and falling on ice, failing to adjust their heat or at risk of increased carbon monoxide output from heat sources.

“It’s good to check on people,” Horton said.

The most up-to-date information from the county on assistance resources and warming shelters during extreme weather is available online at 211.org or by phone at 211.

New shelters in Sisters, Madras

Sisters opened a temporary emergency shelter in a vacant city-owned building that is set to operate until Jan. 25. The shelter, located at 291 East Main Ave., is intended specifically as an overnight warming shelter for homeless individuals and families.

The emergency declaration approved by the City Council for the shelter to operate can be extended if necessary.

The shelter will operate from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., and will not open for reentry after 9 p.m. All visitors must agree to a code of conduct in order to stay overnight.

Madras opened its first permanent homeless shelter Wednesday at 61 NW Oak St., organized by the Jefferson County Faith Based Network. The shelter will be able to take up to 23 people. It was previously the city’s winter shelter, but will now operate year-round. Shelter services include a winter shelter, summer cooling shelter, meals, personal care resources and case management services.

Other cold weather shelters open in Central Oregon

Bend’s Cascade Youth and Family Center

Open to unaccompanied minors. Please call 541-382-0934.

Lighthouse Navigation Center, Bend

Address: 275 NE Second St., #5177, Bend

Who: Men, women and families, 50 beds

541-318-0729

Shepherd’s House Ministries, Redmond

Address: 1350 S. U.S. Highway 97, Redmond

Who: Men, women, and families, 40 beds

541-788–8098

Cornerstone Baptist Church, Madras

Address: 675 NE 10th St. Madras, OR 97741

Who: Adults and families, with 14 beds available, between Nov. 15 and March 15

541-475-7287

Warm Springs Homeless Shelter

Address: 1165 Autumn Ave., Warm Springs

Who: Adults, 20 beds

541-553-0497 or 541-675-5380

Regeneration House (men’s shelter) and Redemption House (women and children’s shelter), Prineville

Address: 970 NW Madras Highway, Prineville (Regeneration House) and 780 E. First St., Prineville (Redemption House)

Open for emergency shelter as space allows

541-362-5642

La Pine Warming Center

Address: 16430 Third St., La Pine

Who: Men, women and families, with 20 beds, between Dec. 1 and March 15

541-948-6649

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