August 11, 2023 2:15 p.m.

The Roseburg Senior Center will open as a cooling center to offer shelter from the heat wave.

The facility, at 1614 Southeast Stephens Street, will be open Monday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A City release said it provided $12,500 to support the senior center’s efforts to fill this need. The United Community Action Network is providing funding for portable toilets.

Showers will be available outside the cooling center, which will offer indoor air conditioning, bottled water, snacks, and a bag supper. Outdoor canopies will be set up for people who prefer to stay outside in the shade, or if needed for people to rotate in and out. Inside, the cooling center has a 45-person capacity.

Guests will be allowed to bring friendly pets inside. Kennels and leashes will be supplied and required. Pet owners will also be required to make more frequent trips outside to protect the carpet.

The release said the center can still use donations of ice, water, soft snacks, and easy-to-chew fruit. Batteries, razors, shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, sunscreen and summer clothing will also be accepted.

Volunteers who would like to help, can all the senior center at 671-2634.