Roseburg Warming Center Calls for Community Support Amid Rising Demand

As Roseburg faces some of its coldest temperatures this winter, a local warming center is reaching out to the community for help. Located at St. George Episcopal Church in downtown Roseburg, the center opens its doors from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on days when temperatures drop below freezing. Since its launch in early January, the center has become a vital resource for individuals seeking warmth, supplies, and support without requiring an overnight stay away from their homes or encampments.

The center has already operated for 10 days this year, serving a total of 251 people. Initially, the number of visitors varied, but recently, the center has seen a significant increase, with over 50 people arriving daily. "Some days there are just a couple of visitors, and other days it’s incredibly busy," shared an anonymous volunteer. "I’ve only been here a few days, but it’s been one extreme to the other. I think it’s wonderful that our church can help the homeless and underprivileged—it’s exactly what a church should do."

Courtney Greenwalt, one of the center’s organizers, emphasized the critical need for the service. "Many of the people we serve are living outdoors—under bridges, in tents, in camps, or even in RVs. Some have no shelter at all. We’ve been able to provide tents and supplies, but these individuals are fully exposed to the extreme cold, which is unusual for our area and has lasted much longer than expected."

Despite limited resources, Greenwalt is committed to keeping the center open during freezing weather. However, the team is in urgent need of supplies such as hand warmers, emergency blankets, flashlights, and first-aid kits. They are also seeking volunteers to help stock supplies, maintain cleanliness, and assist with visitor check-ins during operating hours.

Reflecting on the impact of the center, Greenwalt shared, "We had no idea how great the need would be. It’s been overwhelming but incredibly rewarding. Seeing someone walk in without a coat and leave warm, fed, and prepared—it makes a huge difference."

As the winter chill persists, the warming center’s call for community support highlights the importance of collective effort in addressing the challenges faced by those most vulnerable to the cold. Donations of supplies and volunteer time are crucial to ensuring the center can continue its mission of providing warmth and hope during these harsh winter months.