It took only four days for a new temporary shelter at the Pavillion in the Oregon State Fairgrounds to fill to capacity.
On Feb. 1, the City of Salem, Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Church at the Park opened the shelter with 100 spaces for socially-distanced tents on the floor of the building at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center.
Ongoing donations are needed for shelter guests including socks, blankets, towels, winter gear, adult-sized unused underwear, African American hair care products, pet food and pet supplies, backpacks, totes, and reusable bags. All donations should be delivered to the Church @ the Park Donation Center 3104 Turner Road S.E. in Salem,. Donation drop off hours are from 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. daily.
Local food vendors and restaurants who would like to get involved in meal preparation or donations can complete a contact form on the Church @ the Park website, www.church-at-the-park.org. For more information, including how community members can get involved in expanding affordable housing programs in Salem or volunteer in support of homelessness, visit the City of Salem website or email [email protected].
Source: Press release