City looks toward season of cold weather

With the approach of winter upon Sisters Country, preparations are underway at the City to prepare for allowing emergency shelter to those who are living unhoused.

At the Wednesday, November 20, Sisters City Council meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, the Council will be asked to approve a resolution creating an emergency declaration for the period of November 21, 2024 to March 15, 2025, to allow for getting people out of the cold. The resolution will help avoid the last-minute scramble experienced last year when the temperatures dropped.

The declaration is not for any particular building or organization, but rather outlines specific criteria that must be met by any entity wanting to offer shelter during that time period. The declaration takes the place of any land use application and is applicable when the outside temperature reaches a certain level, for example 32 degrees.

According to Kerry Prosser, assistant city manager, there must be a letter from the property owner approving use as an emergency shelter. The fire marshal must have visited and approved the use of the property for a specified number of people. The sponsoring entity must have posted rules for those seeking shelter based on protocol established by the Deschutes County Health Department, including check-in procedures, and outlining when the shelter will be open. The Deschutes Country Sheriff’s Office must be informed that the shelter is operating.

Provided an organization or property can meet all the requirements outlined in the emergency declaration, they can be approved to provide shelter, whether in a church, public building, or other structure.