As overnight temperatures drop across Josephine County, a coordinated community response is underway to ensure that unhoused residents in Grants Pass have access to warmth, safety, and basic care during the coldest nights of the season. The local nonprofit MINT has activated its Warming Center operations for the evenings of December 27 through December 29, providing overnight shelter during a period when exposure risks increase significantly.
The Warming Center will operate each night beginning at 5:00 p.m. and remain open through 8:00 a.m. the following morning. Intake and primary shelter services will be based at MINT’s facility located at 218 Redwood Highway in Grants Pass, commonly known in the community as Parker’s Place. This location will serve as the first point of entry for guests seeking shelter from the cold, offering a structured and supervised environment focused on safety and dignity.
Capacity planning has been expanded to meet anticipated need. A total of 75 beds will be available each night across two locations. Forty nine beds will be housed at the primary MINT facility. When that site reaches capacity, guests will be transported safely to an overflow and medically supportive shelter hosted at Newman United Methodist Church. The overflow site will provide 26 additional beds, with priority given to individuals who are medically fragile or living with disabilities, ensuring those at highest risk from cold exposure receive appropriate care and support.
Transportation between sites will be coordinated by staff and volunteers, allowing guests to move safely without navigating winter conditions on their own. Organizers emphasize that the goal is not only warmth, but stability and reassurance during a time when freezing temperatures can turn dangerous quickly.
The Warming Center operation relies heavily on community involvement, and local residents are being encouraged to participate where they are able. Volunteers play a critical role in staffing evening and overnight shifts, assisting with intake, supervision, and general support. Community members who wish to help can sign up through an online volunteer form provided by MINT, allowing organizers to ensure coverage throughout the activation period.
Food support is also a key part of the effort. Meals and food donations help create a welcoming and nourishing environment for guests who may not have had consistent access to hot meals. Individuals or groups interested in preparing or donating food can coordinate directly with MINT through a separate online sign up, helping to meet one of the most immediate needs during cold weather sheltering.
As winter settles in, the Warming Center activation reflects a broader community commitment to looking out for neighbors during moments of vulnerability. While the cold weather is temporary, the collective response highlights the ongoing importance of compassion, coordination, and local action in addressing homelessness in Grants Pass.