When the mercury drops, the city (in conjunction with the Bend Fire Dept.) is allowing shelters like the Shepherd's House and Bethlehem Inn exceed capacity by setting up extra beds for those in need.
Fire Marshal Gary Marshall (fitting surname, right?) said churchs may also open their doors for those who need shelter from the cold, but so far none have come forward.
from the City of Bend:
"Based on a recommendation from Bend Fire and Rescue, City Manager Eric King is declaring an emergency beginning at approximately 8 p.m. on October 31, 2011. The emergency declaration will allow temporary housing under certain conditions when capacity at local shelters is reached. The declaration is valid when overnight temperatures are expected to be 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below and expires on February 29, 2012."
So far, Marshall said, the needs of the homeless have largely been met by the the two local shelters.
"It's when temps hit about 0 degrees, that's when people start coming off the streets saying, 'It's just too cold in tents,'" Marshall said.
photo: Yunchung Lee
