As cold grips the city of Medford, city officials have implemented a severe weather event declaration from today, February 6 through Saturday, February 8, to ensure residents without adequate shelter can stay warm and safe. The action comes in anticipation of freezing temperatures which are expected to plummet below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or even 32 degrees Fahrenheit considering additional weather challenges such as snow or wind chill factors.
The Medford Severe Weather Shelter, located at 332 W. 6th Street, will open its doors during this period, operating from 5:30 pm to 8:30 am daily. According to an announcement on the city's official website, the facility is prepared to serve up to 64 individuals with provisions including food, bedding, and places to safely store belongings. Acknowledging the diverse needs of its population, the shelter maintains a low barrier to entry, not enforcing religious affiliation or sobriety tests as a condition for admittance.
ACCESS, a local non-profit organization, is at the helm of volunteer coordination for the shelter. Individuals looking to assist in staffing the facility during this critical time are encouraged to reach out via [email protected]. The City of Medford and ACCESS have a standing relationship for handling instances such as this, where they cooperate to establish a safe haven during severe weather conditions.
Medford officials and ACCESS require a 48-hour lead time to mobilize their efforts properly, which is why they urge more people from the community to come forward to help. Those interested in contributing to these efforts are urged to get in touch with ACCESS for further details. Moreover, the city will hold off on enforcing its prohibited camping ordinance by not removing illegally placed tents until this weather declaration has expired, offering a brief respite for those who find themselves with no alternative but to seek refuge in public spaces.
Residents can stay informed about the shelter's status and other severe weather responses by texting MED4SHELTERS to 888777 for the latest updates.
