Lincoln County Warming Shelter Open

The Lincoln County Health and Human Services Community Shelter and Resource Center, affectionately known as the "winter shelter," invites the public to celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, November 17, from 3 to 4 p.m. at 351 Southwest Seventh Street in Newport. The shleter opened on November 10th in Newport and will open the following week in Lincoln City.

Spearheaded by Program Manager Chantelle Estes, the shelter is holding a 500-canned food drive in support of local food banks and the Agape Day Center, which provides vital resources to the area’s unhoused community. Organizers are calling on attendees to bring unopened canned food, raincoats, rain boots, or extra pairs of socks — all aimed at keeping Newport’s most vulnerable residents warm and nourished this winter.“The winter shelter came to life through the dedication of our team and the support of the community,” said Estes. “We’re excited to showcase the impact that collective action can have on saving lives every night.”

The event on the 17th promises an opportunity for guests to meet the shelter’s staff, learn about the project’s origins, and see firsthand how local efforts are making a tangible difference. Organizers encourage residents to stop by, lend their support, and help ensure that no one in Lincoln County faces the cold or hunger alone. The Community Shelter and Resource Center is a safe, welcoming and affirming place for all members of the community, including furry companions.

The Newport shelter is located at the corner of Hurbert and Seventh Streets, while the

Lincoln City shelter is located at 2125 NE Highway 101. The Newport location has 50

beds and the Lincoln City location has 30. Last year, the Community Shelter and Resource Center served 247 individuals over 2,862 overnight stays. Forty-two of those guests were transitioned to stable housing. The jail, hospital and law enforcement referred 125 people for a safe place to stay, keeping people from behind bars and out of emergency room beds.

Of those 247 individuals served, 45% were over the age of 50, and 10% were military

veterans.

Also last season, the shelter added a volunteer physician, Dr. Paul Caldron, who visited

twice a week to provide services similar to an urgent care clinic. He saw 42 patients,

referring two to the emergency room. Forty-eight referrals were made for additional

health care, behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment. Caldron will

continue his volunteer services this season.

New services this season will include after-hours transport from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. This

will forestall the need for law enforcement officers to search and load belongings and

take time away from their patrol duties to bring guests to the shelter. Additionally, mobile

dental care will visit the shelter twice a month. For more information about the event or to learn how to donate, visit Lincoln County Health and Human Services or contact the winter shelter directly.