Ashland reopens emergency severe weather shelter

Pioneer Hall on Winburn Way in Ashland in February. Drew Fleming photo
March 7, 2022

Freezing temps forecast for Wednesday and Thursday nights

By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news

With below freezing temperatures expected this week, Ashland’s emergency severe weather shelter will open again at 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

The shelter, at Pioneer Hall, 73 Winburn Way, closes for the night at 9 p.m., with lights out at 10 p.m. It’s emphasized that the shelter is no frills, with no bedding or cots provided to those who stay. The shelter closes for the day each morning at 10 a.m.

Low temps will dip to 24 Wednesday night and 29 Thursday, the National Weather Service forecast on Monday.

“The emergency shelter is designed for people that are normally sleeping out (in the elements) anyway, they’re either sleeping out in tents or they’re sleeping out in cars,” said Avram Sacks, shelter coordinator. “It’s assumed that they will bring their own bedding with them.”

Sacks also emphasizes that the shelter turns no one away who exhibits good behavior.

“We’re a low barrier shelter, which means if people behave themselves, they can come in,” Sacks said.

Sacks sees people with a wide range of backgrounds come through, including those on wait lists for Section 8 housing, individuals who are sleeping in their cars for a few weeks or some who have just been evicted that are temporarily sleeping in their cars.

No matter the reason, they can find shelter at Pioneer Hall.

“The whole reason for a low barrier shelter is so nobody’s out there freezing to death in the cold like somebody did freeze in Medford a couple months ago,” Sacks said.

Dinner is served Wednesday and Thursday evening at the shelter and breakfast is served at each morning.

How can you help the shelter? Donations of clean blankets or sleeping bags from the community are welcome. Donations of pre-packaged Muffins, energy bars, banana bread and fruit are also welcomed to give to those staying at the shelter food to take with them when they leave the next day.

Restrooms are available at the shelter but showers are not, according to Sacks.

Masks are required and will be available on site.

Questions about the shelter? Contact Sacks at 541-220-7307.

Email Ashland.news reporter Holly Dillemuth at [email protected].

Picture of Bert Etling

Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

Related Posts...

Our Sponsors

Rogue Theater Company Ripcord Grizzly Peak Winery Ashland Oregon
ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum Teen Programs Day Camp Ashland Oregon

Latest posts

Our Sponsors

City of Ashland Public Notice Ashland Oregon
Ashland Climate Collaborative Sreets for Everyone Ashland Oregon
Conscious Design Build Ashland Oregon
Pronto Printing Ashland Medford Southern Oregon

Explore More...

Rick Wasserman has spent much of the past 30 years behind a mic as a voice-over artist. Known for his distinctive deep voice, his best-known roles include Thor and Hulk for Marvel Animation.
The Oregon Department of Human Services is offering free emergency kits and power stations for older adults and qualified people with physical disabilities. The emergency kits include flashlights, blankets, first aid items, food and other supplies. The power stations are portable and have rechargeable batteries.
The Ashland New Plays Festival (ANPF) has announced the winning playwrights for this year’s annual Fall Festival.
A project proposal by St. Louis-based firm McCormack Baron Salazar aimed at outlining a proposed housing development for senior independent living near the southeast corner of the Southern Oregon University campus could cost upwards of $64 million, pending selection by an evaluation committee and a finalized project plan.
Two Oregon lawmakers have launched a bipartisan caucus to promote trade, business development and international economic policy. Legislative caucuses are groups of lawmakers who share similar policy interests.
ashland.news logo

Subscribe to the newsletter and get local news sent directly to your inbox.

(It’s free)

Don't Miss Our Top Stories

Get our newsletter delivered to your inbox three times a week.
It’s FREE and you can cancel anytime.