BEND, OR -- A temporary overnight shelter opened at Bend's First Presbyterian church during this weekend’s cold snap to handle overflow from other homeless shelters.

Founder of Pandemic Partners in Bend Pastor Morgan Schmidt says people donated time, bedding, food, and clothing, “We’ve had guests walk in during this cold emergency in the snow wearing only socks. And so, it’s really important that we can get people properly outfitted as best we can to survive, and be okay in the elements.” Schmidt is grateful for the donations and she hopes more will get involved so this isn’t such an urgent issue, “That’s really the ask, that our community would just be mindful of opportunities to support the really important projects that are going, to help make sure that people don’t have to sleep outside in our community.”

City of Bend and Deschutes County services, Shepherd’s House, and the Red Cross also provided assistance to more than 30 people and their pets who stayed at the church. “All these folks from the community from First Presbyterian, a team of folks from First Unitarian Universalist church, and then all sorts of community members from groups like Pandemic Partners... that come and give of their time, they stay up all night, they really make it possible for us to offer a safe and hospitable place for people who need it,” said Schmidt.

The shelter was open again Monday night but will close with warmer temperatures in the forecast.