The ARCHES Day Center plans to open its doors for vulnerable people in Salem should temperatures dip below freezing as forecasted this weekend, but is still seeking dozens of volunteers as of Friday afternoon.
After two years of increased funding during the pandemic, the Salem Warming Network saw substantial funding cuts this year, leaving local agencies unable to hire staff to work overnight and keep emergency shelters open. That means the network must again rely mostly on volunteers this cold season to greet people at the front door of the centers, secure their belongings, monitor security and do regular check-ins to make sure guests have what they need.
If temperatures reach at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the ARCHES Day Center at 615 N.E. Commercial St. will open at 7 p.m. with room for around 30 to 40 people to sleep.
There will also be sitting room available for 60 people in heated tents in the front parking lot, said chief program officer Ashley Hamilton.
Temperatures are forecasted to reach freezing or come close Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service. The service has issued a freeze warning for the area Friday night, effective from midnight until 9 a.m. Saturday morning with temperatures as low as 30 degrees.
The shelter announced it will open at 7 p.m. Friday night, according to a Facebook post from the agency.
There are 41 volunteer shifts available throughout the weekend as of Friday morning, Hamilton said. That includes 16 shifts Friday night, 14 Saturday night and 11 Sunday night.
To volunteer, visit ARCHES volunteer site.
The increased need for volunteers comes after an over 80% budget reduction to the program since last year, going from a budget of over $1 million boosted by the state to $150,000 from the city of Salem.
“The question that is still sort of unresolved in my mind is: will we have the capacity to do this at 32 degrees through the entire winter? And without additional financial support, I’m skeptical of that,” Executive Director Jimmy Jones told Salem Reporter earlier this month.
Last year, nearly every bed was full each night that the services opened, Hamilton said.
ARCHES will post its final announcements about whether the shelter opens on its Facebook page. To sign up to receive text and email alerts, visit bit.ly/shelter-alerts or call the shelter activation hotline at 971-304-9211.
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-704-0355.
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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
