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Ashland provides shelter from the storm Southern Oregon wasn't hit as hard as places like Salem, where trees and limbs came down amid high winds. But the weather prompted volunteers to open a temporary shelter in Pioneer Hall for the homeless. photo by Anna Reed/Statesman-Journal via AP Sunday Oct 16, 2016 at 3:35 PM Oct 16, 2016 at 3:35 PM By Julie Akins for the Tidings While the Pacific Northwest and Northern California grappled with severe storms dropping inches of rain and bringing up to 50 mph winds, communities like Ashland also struggled with what to do about those most vulnerable in serious weather — the homeless. As a result of requests to city leaders by advocates for the homeless, an emergency shelter was approved for Pioneer Hall to accommodate those without shelter for at least 24 hours, or perhaps longer, depending on the storm system. “We’re grateful,” said a homeless man who identified himself as Kelly. "The people of Ashland are good people." Shelters typically don’t open in Ashland until the temperatures drop below 21 degrees. But even then, they are not open seven days a week. The emergency opening of Pioneer Hall was an exception based on the predicted heavy rainfall and high winds, which could be a deadly combination. Derrick Johnson, who often advocates for the homeless, said of Pioneer Hall, “I think it’s underutilized. Most days there’s nobody in there.” This weekend's shelter almost didn’t happen. At first, city administrators thought the storm would not be reason enough to open an emergency overnight facility but were persuaded to do it after considering the force of winds and rain. “That kind of weather can kill you just as much as low temperatures. I’m glad we figured it all out,” said John Wieczorek, who assists in running the shelter and was bringing in large crates of mattress pads and bedding. Volunteer Allan Miles, who provides meals for the shelter at Trinity Episcopal, was also there to assist. “It’s work that needs to be done," Miles said. "When you’re asked, you need to say yes.” Miles agreed the city is overdue for a seven-day shelter. “I believe it’s needed and it will happen,” he said. That sentiment was shared by Kelly. “Ashland has all these wonderful churches and people. I don’t know why we can’t work together to make it happen. We really need seven day per week shelter.” Meantime, the shelter began filling with mostly men and a few dogs by 2 p.m. Saturday. It opened up at 11 a.m. and was scheduled to stay open for a day, or possibly longer if needed. “It’s good that we can work together to consider other factors beside just nighttime temperatures,” said Wieczorek. Many stored their backpacks in one room and huddled around warm drinks in another. Some played the piano while others pulled up a bench to play chess. They ate a small helping of soup a volunteer brought and a few loaves of bread. There was a scramble to come up with bowls and spoons for the soup. But most of the people housed away from the pouring rain and wind said they were fortunate to be able to come inside and were grateful that people cared enough to allow it. Sitting next to a retired veteran in a wheelchair who has only full use of one hand, Kelly told the room, “Ashland people are good people. We don’t want to complain about anything. We’re just grateful.” Advocates are working diligently to find permanent housing for the veteran, who they said would struggle come winter without it. “He really can’t be left out here. He needs a place to be and some care.” said Wieczorek who is working to find him more long-term shelter. “We’ve found it for others; now he really needs it.” Organizers of the temporary shelter planned to take in as many people as they could fit to get them out of the elements. What will happen in the upcoming winter has yet to be determined. Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/@julieakins.