Volunteers essential to community warming centers
By Terry Murry on Monday, December 27th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
The extreme cold that is gripping the region will be around at least through most of this week, maybe longer, forecasters say. It prompted Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to declare a state of emergency.
The extreme sustained cold temperatures can result in transportation failures as well as disruptions to power and communications. The emergency declaration makes it easier to speed state resources to areas suffering from weather emergencies.
The cold weather advisory includes numerous cities in Oregon and Washington. Among them are Hermiston, Pendleton, Walla Walla, Boardman, La Grande, Meacham, Tollgate, Heppner, Condon, Bend, Prineville, Redmond, Ellensburg, Tri-Cities, and Goldendale.
The cold snap has sparked concern for the homeless. Warming stations plan to operate in Pendleton, Walla Walla, and Hermiston.
The Pendleton Warming Station at 715 SE Court Ave. had to change the way it operates when COVID-19 hit. Dwight Johnson of Neighbor2Neighbor said the facility is just too small to allow for social distancing, which created a danger for both volunteers and those being sheltered. The center now distributes motel vouchers from cooperating lodging establishments to provide shelter.
Johnson said he feels sure that the voucher system will be able to handle those who need a warm place to stay thanks to some recent grants and donations. People seeking shelter must check in at the warming station between 6:30-7 p.m.
The Walla Walla Emergency Warming Center is in operation at New Beginnings Chapel, 822 W. Main St., opening whenever the temperature dips below 28 degrees. It is a shelter for those who can’t access either the Sleep Center or the Christian Aid Center. It’s open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
A scarcity of volunteers is preventing the emergency shelter from operating nonstop throughout the winter.
The Hermiston Warming Station at 1075 S. Highway 395 plans to be open every night that they are fully staffed. Guests check in between 7:30-9 p.m. and must check out at 6:30 a.m. Food, drinks, socks, and toiletries are available and laundry services are offered two nights out of the week.
The Hermiston facility is working hard to be fully staffed during the cold spell, but some shifts still have openings. After having to close previously due to a lack of volunteers, the organization began an industrious training program to attract new volunteers.
All three facilities stress the need for volunteers. They also have other needs as well. Cash donations are helpful. In addition, socks, tissues, hand warmers, single-serving soups, and ramen noodle packs are among the items they can use.
