FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ashland, OR – OHRA announced today that it will open the OHRA Center to serve as an emergency shelter this weekend in response to the forecasted freezing temperatures. The Emergency Shelter will be open from 5pm Friday November 28^th through Monday, December 1^st at 9 am. 

OHRA will also be operating the Winter Shelter at 2200 Ashland Street beginning Friday, December 5th. 

Dan Cano, OHRA’s Executive Director, noted that the 2200 Shelter is not ready and tested, and its contract with the City starts the following week. During next week, OHRA’s staff will complete preparations for opening 2200 by testing the new heating equipment, installing beds, and ensuring staff were in place. For now, having the Emergency Shelter at OHRA allows us to leverage our existing trained staff and facilities to ensure the comfort of those coming in for shelter.”

The Emergency Shelter at the OHRA Center will utilize Miriam’s Cafe and Ken’s Resource Area for bed space. Cano noted that there will be space for 25 beds, and those beds will be filled on a first come, first served basis starting at 5pm Friday. Unhoused community members should be aware that a bed is not guaranteed and should explore options beyond those we are able to provide. 

OHRA’s outreach staff began notifying unhoused guests at the Night Lawn about the Emergency Shelter this weekend. 

For more information about OHRA’s Winter Shelter activities, the community can visit OHRA’s website at www.ohrahelps.org and click on the “2200 Shelter” tab. 

About OHRA (Opportunities for Housing, Resources & Assistance)

OHRA helps low-income people build better lives. By offering hope and access to social service resources, we encourage those in need on the path to self-sufficiency.

Media Contact:

Dan Cano, Executive Director
541.531.0669
danc@ohrahelps.org