November 23, 2021 3:20 a.m. 

The City of Roseburg and United Community Action Network needs partners for warming centers.

A release said land and business owners are being asked to help provide temporary shelter space for community members experiencing homelessness during severe winter weather.

The release said funding and resource assistance to operate a warming center is available to help support land owners with buildings or businesses that can offer at least 2,500 square feet of indoor space with bathrooms and ADA accessibility.

The City will assist land or business partners in creating an operations and emergency evacuation plan. Social service organizations in the community can provide sleeping mats or beds, 24/7 guest supervision and direct access to support services.

UCAN Executive Director Shaun Pritchard said, “The citizens of Roseburg are a kind and caring people who always come to the aid of others in times of need”. Pritchard said he’s confident that once again, “…the best of Roseburg will shine through to help warm this vulnerable population”.

Warming shelters will be needed as overnight low temperatures continue to drop. The facilities will be needed when low temperatures are forecast to be 30 degrees or less, or when it’s going to get down to 32 degrees with additional factors such as precipitation, wind and sustained low temperatures, including during the day.

Land or business owners and others interested in partnering with the City of Roseburg and UCAN, or would like to share suggestions, should contact UCAN at: shelter@ucancap.org.