Warming Center Opens in Salem

Red Cross responds to need for emergency sheltering of vulnerable.

Red Cross Warming Center in Portland

(SALEM, Ore.) - Volunteers with the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross are opening a Warming Center in Salem tonight to help shelter people from the cold weather. The site for the Warming Center will be at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall located at 630 Hood St NE in Salem.

Margaret Sanner with the Willamette Valley Chapter of the Red Cross, says the shelter is open until 7:00 a.m., and then will open at 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Thursday and Friday. Weekend hours to be determined based on need.

People who need to stay at the Center will be offered warm beverages and bread each evening and breakfast each morning. Cots and blankets along with basic hygiene items will also be available.

Dogs and cats will be accepted with their owners, however must be crated (provided at shelter) for the duration of their stay, with the exception of exercise breaks outside the Center.

Limited food and water for the pets will be provided.

Public calls about the Center may be made to the Red Cross Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours calls should be made to 503-881-2874.

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Source: Willamette Valley Chapter of the Red Cross