Warming shelter program starts Jan. 2

JULIE RAEFIELD-GOBBO
News staff writer

As temperatures dropped this month, concerns for Hood River County vulnerable homeless population rose — with extreme cold and lack of adequate shelter proving a serious threat for many.

“Several churches, businesses and social service agencies in the area have been trying to address homelessness issues for awhile,” said Linda Presley, co-pastor of Hood River Valley Christian Church and point person for a local coalition to create a warming shelter program.

“Finally we have a way to help,” Presley said.

The first warming shelter site will be Hood River Alliance Church at Rand and Montello, beginning the week of Jan. 2.

Contrary to common belief, Hood River does have a homeless population.

“The sheriff’s department and school district confirm that families and individuals are living in cars and tents in the area. This poses a risk when temperatures drop,” said Presley.

“The warming shelter coalition would like to ensure that people have a safe, warm place to stay if they have no other options,” she said. “We want to make sure that no one perishes from exposure to the elements.”

To support this goal, six churches, several social service agencies, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital and Gorge Ecumenical Ministry members have been meeting to develop and implement a county-wide plan. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 30, the coalition met and voted on a preliminary plan that has been under construction for the last five months. 

The plan sets the first date of warming shelter operation as Jan. 2, 2011. The shelter beds open up when the temperature drops to 35 degrees or below.

 “We will be able to house up to 16 individuals. The beds will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. We are working out how to house families separately from individuals,” said Presley. 

It is preferred that people bring their own bedding, but other options are being explored to help those without.

“The first three churches to commit lodging space are Hood River Alliance Church, Riverside United Church of Christ and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church,” noted Presley. “We have a few others still working through details on how to help.”

To support the project, start-up funding has been secured through the a grant with Faith Connections and the Commission on Children and Families, Valley Christian Church and the Leos service club at HRVHS (who are donating can and bottle recycling program dollars). 

Funds will be used to offset utility and supply costs for the warming shelter sites. Churches are providing the space as part of their donation to the program. Volunteers from the churches and community will cover shifts at the sites when they are open.

“We are also asking for additional donations from the community, churches, agencies and businesses to cover costs,” Presley said. “And, we will be looking for volunteers.”

Two information and training sessions are already set for Dec. 16, to be held at the Alliance Church, 2650 Montello Ave. The first will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. and the second from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. These are open to the public and interested persons are invited to attend.

No one agency, church or organization will bear the full responsibility of operating the warming shelter. In fact, the plan is a great example of how many small contributions converge to create something successful that no single entity could have done alone.

“Our coalition could not have pulled this together without the help of the Hood River (County) Commission on Children and Families and the investment of Joella Dethman (director) and Maija Yasui (prevention coordinator),” Presley said.

Another key component to the success of the plan is the donation of 16 twin mattresses by the Give Them Wings foster care graduate transition program in Hood River. “Allyson Pate (Wings director) has been a great advocate for making this happen,” noted Presley.

The mattresses will be sealed to ensure easy sanitation and will be transported as the host church site rotates weekly on a planned schedule.

“We will be publicizing the schedule as soon as it is finalized,” said Presley. “We are waiting to hear from some additional potential host sites.”

“We appreciate every group and church that has been involved in helping get this started,” said Presley. “It is a community-wide outpouring.”

In addition to the churches already listed, Asbury United Methodist Church and Hope and Life Hispanic Church have participated in the planning process. 

Additional organizations involved include FISH food bank, Hood River County School District and Sheriff’s Department and KBNO Hispanic Radio.

It is not certain how many people will take advantage of this program but Presley hopes that “the community becomes more aware of homelessness in our small town and realizes that this is not just a Portland issue.”

According to Allyson Pate, who also serves as the chair of the HRCCCF, “We hope to find a more permanent location for the beds. If anyone has unused, heated living space that could accommodate this project for the winter, we’d love to hear from you.”

Tax-deductible donations may be made to the Hood River Warming Shelter in care of Linda Presley, co-pastor, Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River, OR 97031.

 More information or referrals may be obtained by contacting Presley through Valley Christian Church at 541-386-2608.