Shelter to remain active through March

Despite many fervent wishes for the arrival of spring by snow-weary residents, winter temperatures and conditions are still very much in the daily weather forecasts. The need for the emergency cold weather shelter continues, and provisions are planned through the month of March.

The shelter moved on March 1 to its third location, welcomed by the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. In January, it was housed at Westside Church, and in February Sisters Community Church opened the doors of The Hangar to the shelter.

Moving from location to location and storage of shelter materials has been greatly enhanced by the enclosed trailer donated by a local resident.

In March, meals will be served in the undercroft of the Episcopal Church, which has a full kitchen with oven and refrigerator/freezer. Guests will sleep in the large upstairs community room at the request of the fire marshal.

During the coldest winter months of December, January, and February, the shelter is open every evening from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. In the shoulder months of November and March, it will be open on those evenings when the weather conditions meet a level of risk, determined by a combination of temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and ground surface. Guests can call the shelter information line at 541-639-7321 after 2 p.m. to see if the shelter will be open that night.

The shelter organizers also have established a Facebook page that everyone is encouraged to "like" and "follow." Stories of shelter happenings, current items needed, news of the guests, and a link to the sign-up site are available. The page is Sisters Cold Weather Shelter.

Community support for the shelter and its guests continues to be generous. Nourishing and tasty dinners and breakfasts are prepared by volunteers and brought to the shelter. The cooks, the guests, and the monitors all sit down to a family dinner to share stories and news of the day. If the food runs short, Martolli's has agreed to provide free pizza to be sure everyone gets enough to eat. Last Thursday, Rio Restaurant provided dinner of chicken verde, rice, beans, and salad.

Locals report that the greatest gift to everyone has been the breaking of stereotypes for all those involved - guests and volunteers. From different circumstances, with a wide range of backgrounds, people have joined together to form a caring community of love and support (see commentary, page 16). Local businesses and private citizens have stepped up with food, supplies, and clothing. Local churches are providing the facilities.

Monitors share stories about guests who carry their head a little higher as they walk down the street. Physical health has improved - one resident has reportedly gained 15 badly needed pounds from the food provided.

James, one of the Shepherd House monitors who has experience working in shelters from New York to Bend, told shelter volunteers that when people are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect, it can be life-changing. He said the Sisters shelter is doing an outstanding job.

"I've never seen anything like it," James said. "You are wrapping your arms around these people. It is amazing."

Monetary donations to the shelter can be made through Shepherd's House Ministries, which is processing donations earmarked for Sisters. That allows donors to make a tax-deductible donation, since Shepherd's House has 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and the Sisters shelter has not yet applied for that status.