Medford Severe Weather Shelter
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If unable to text, you may also call (541) 779-6691, or visit our Facebook page.
Medford’s Lifesaving Emergency Shelter
The City of Medford and ACCESS work together to ensure that our community’s most vulnerable residents have access to life-saving shelter during periods of extreme cold and heat. The Medford Severe Weather Shelter, located at 332 W. 6th Street, is a critical resource that provides warmth, safety, and essential services for our unhoused neighbors when weather conditions become dangerous.
The shelter is operated by ACCESS, in close coordination with the City of Medford’s Office of Emergency Management. The two organizations work hand-in-hand to review conditions and determine when the shelter should open. The criteria for activation have been jointly agreed upon by both the City and ACCESS, ensuring decisions are grounded in shared understanding, clear expectations, and a unified commitment to community safety. Because operating the shelter safely requires significant coordination, 2–3 days of notice are needed to secure staffing, volunteers, and resources. Forecasts can shift quickly, and both ACCESS and the City work diligently to anticipate weather patterns and respond appropriately.
The shelter is activated based on National Weather Service forecasts that meet one of the following jointly established thresholds for two or more consecutive days:
- Temperatures of 25°F or below with no precipitation, or
- Temperatures of 32°F or below with precipitation
The shelter is activated based on National Weather Service forecasts that meet one of the following jointly established thresholds for two or more consecutive days:
- Temperatures of 102°F or above
Roles & Responsibilities:
City of Medford:
Reviews weather conditions, provides support and guidance, issues a declaration from the City Manager authorizing ACCESS to activate the shelter when thresholds are met, and is responsible for sending public notices through the multiple city communication channels including Everbridge Nixle, to alert the community when the shelter is activated.
ACCESS:
Manages all shelter operations, including staffing and volunteers, meals, cleaning, and sanitation. The availability of trained staff and volunteers is the most critical factor in opening the shelter; without adequate support, the shelter cannot operate safely.
Given that the shelter is a life-saving intervention, staffing and funding are prioritized for days when extreme weather poses the highest risk. This ensures the shelter can operate effectively and safely during the most dangerous conditions.
Visiting the Medford Severe Weather Shelter:
64 beds available · First come, first served
Location: 332 W 6th St, Medford, OR 97501
Get directions
What the Shelter Provides
- Safe indoor sleeping space
- Warm meals and beverages
- Non-aggressive pets welcome
- Pet food available
- Food
- Water
- Dry storage
- Restrooms
We also offer Resource Navigation and outreach to participants. Connect with a staff member for personalized guidance and support.
Who the Shelter Serves
This emergency shelter protects individuals from life-threatening weather during the coldest and hottest days of the year.
How to Help the Severe Weather Shelter
The Medford Severe Weather Shelter saves lives. Your gift of time, donated items, or financial support helps provide safety, warmth, and essential care for individuals facing dangerous weather conditions such as heat stroke, frostbite, or extreme cold.
The shelter cannot operate without volunteers and community support. Learn how you can help below.
Volunteer at the Shelter
Volunteers are essential to opening and running the Medford Severe Weather Shelter.
Whether you assist with hospitality, meal service, cleanup, or guest support, your time makes a real difference.
➡️ Learn more about volunteering! Join our volunteer team.
➡️ Prefer to support financially? Make a donation to ACCESS.
Donate Items
If you have items you’d like to donate, the shelter is always in need of:
- Bedding: blankets, pillows, sheets, sleeping bags
- Hygiene items: soap, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, body wash, deodorant
- Socks
- New and gently used winter clothing: jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, sweatpants, sweaters, thermal pants
- New, unopened pet food (canned or dry)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Depends undergarments and pads
Please contact our Donor Support Team at (458) 488-1220 for information about dropping off donations.
