More warming centers open as temperatures drop
EUGENE, Ore - An American flag and a cross mark where Major Thomas Egan died last year. His death has had a tremendous impact on the homeless community in Eugene, highlighting a problem that they had few places to go on frigid nights.
Now coordinated warming centers are opening around the Eugene/Springfield area on nights like Sunday night when the temperature drops well below freezing.
"We've had all the different types of city and county governments get involved," said Charley Harvey from St. Vincent De Paul. "A lot of the non-profit agencies and people wanted to help out especially after Mr. Egan's death."
Last year, the warming center was held at the armory. Too many people showed up and the center was shut down.
KVAL News asked Harvey if those problems had been addressed.
"Yes," said Harvey. "We feel like breaking them up into smaller, more manageable groups has worked out very well for us."
This year the warming centers are all over the area. Currently, four faith organizations have opened their doors to the homeless on cold winter nights.
Valley Covenant Church, First Christian Church, Ebbert Memorial United Methodist Church, and Hosea Youth Services are all hosting warming centers for a total of about 150 beds.
Harvey said they haven't hit capacity yet, but that could change as the mercury continues to drop. Harvey also said he hopes more churches and faith centers join in to host the warming center. He says they are also looking into using some school gyms during the winter break.
As long as the temperature is 28 or colder, Harvey said the centers will stay open.
