The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency will open overnight warming centers Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 29–30, offering a temporary place to get out of the cold for people at risk during forecasted freezing temperatures in Marion and Polk counties.
The centers are scheduled to operate from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at three locations in the region, according to the agency.
In Salem, the warming center will be at the ARCHES Day Center, 615 Commercial St. NE, and is limited to adults. In Dallas, the site will be St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1486 SW Levens St., where families with minors are welcome. In Woodburn, the center will be at the ARCHES Woodburn Shelter, 1560 Hardcastle Ave., and is limited to adults.
The agency said the sites are designed as low-barrier spaces, allowing guests to bring pets and personal belongings. Food and drinks are expected to be available at each location.
MWVCAA also plans to offer car camping options connected to the Salem and Woodburn sites for families with minors. Under the program, adults can warm up indoors while families park overnight in a designated lot. Families sleep in their vehicles and may use indoor amenities, including restrooms and refreshments, while staff are on site.
The warming centers have served as a recurring response during periods of freezing weather in recent years, aimed at reducing cold exposure for people sleeping outside or in vehicles. MWVCAA pointed to last winter’s operation as a measure of the need: the agency reported the centers were open for 38 nights and served 557 individuals during cold-weather events.
Advocates and service providers often describe overnight warming sites as a key stopgap during freezing conditions, when the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related injuries rises. MWVCAA said the centers play a role in preventing injuries and supporting community safety during extreme cold.
Along with opening the sites, MWVCAA is seeking local volunteers to help staff the warming centers this season. Volunteers must be 18 or older, and the agency said support is needed for shifts at the various locations. Volunteer and program information is available through the agency’s website.
MWVCAA’s warming center schedule and locations are subject to weather conditions and operational needs, and the agency directed community members seeking updates or ways to help to check its online postings.