Medford City Manager Rob Field has issued a severe weather event declaration for Thursday, March 13, which clears the way for the city of Medford and community partners to open a warming shelter.

The warming shelter will be open Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 a.m. at 332 W. 6th Street, in Medford.

The declaration allows the use of approved severe event shelter facilities to provide overnight lodging when the temperature is expected to be below 25 degrees F or 32 degrees F with additional factors such as precipitation or wind.

Services include food, bedding and dry storage capabilities. The shelter can accommodate 64 individuals and is low barrier, thus does not require any religious affiliation or drug testing to enter.

The shelter is staffed by volunteers coordinated by ACCESS. Anyone interested in volunteering can email volunteer@accesshelps.org for more information.

The City is closely monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates to the declaration status as necessary. Text MED4SHELTERS to 888777 to receive the latest on severe weather event shelters in Medford. 

The city will postpone the removal of tents that are unlawful under the prohibited camping ordinance until the end of this severe weather event declaration. All fires remain prohibited throughout the city. 

Additionally, Rogue Retreat operates a warming center in Ashland, at 2200 Ashland Street, open from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. through the end of March.