BEND, Ore. — As temperatures plummet across the region, the harsh realities of winter are hitting Bend’s homeless community harder than ever. For those without stable housing, the cold brings life-threatening challenges that require immediate action and support.
Clarance Scripture, a Bend resident who has been living on the streets for nearly a decade, knows all too well the dangers of winter exposure. “Facing the elements, it’s unlike any other,” Scripture shared in an interview on Tuesday. With years of experience navigating bitter cold, Scripture explained that the struggle only intensifies the longer someone is homeless. “It doesn’t make it any easier. Honestly, the longer I’m out here, it feels like the more difficult it gets,” he said. His hope for more stable housing remains uncertain, as he waits on the system for assistance.
Scripture’s experiences have taught him the extreme risks of frostbite and hypothermia, firsthand. “I know some people that have lost limbs due to frostbite,” he said. “I’m very grateful that I haven’t ever received frostbite, but I definitely know what it is to be cold.” This firsthand knowledge of the cold underscores the critical need for immediate action to protect vulnerable individuals from the potentially deadly effects of winter.
Local health officials are stepping in to address the dangers of freezing temperatures. Emily Horton, Program Manager for Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Health with Deschutes County, emphasized the importance of preparation. “Being out without a coat, just being exposed to the elements when it’s really, really cold, it’s important to protect our skin and our body,” Horton said. Her advice for preventing frostbite and hypothermia includes wearing hats, gloves, warm coats, and boots, as well as seeking indoor spaces to warm up whenever possible.
To help mitigate these dangers, warming shelters have been activated across Bend, offering day and overnight services. Deschutes County has been working to keep an updated list of these shelters, ensuring that residents in need are aware of available resources. However, the increase in demand for shelter during severe weather has stretched local services thin.
Naomi Blair, Director of the Lighthouse Navigation Center, described the growing challenge of meeting the needs of the homeless population during extreme weather events. “We’ve had to go unofficially to increase our overflow capacity, just because it’s so hard to turn people away when the temperatures drop,” Blair said. The shelter’s staff is doing all they can to accommodate the increasing number of people seeking refuge from the cold.
For individuals like Scripture, staying warm in the winter is a matter of survival. Scripture has taken proactive steps to “winterize” his camp, using heavy blankets, tarps, and even a small heater to create a semblance of warmth. But even with these efforts, the physical toll of the cold is undeniable. “It’s actually quite painful,” he shared. “It really hurts to wake up in the cold and it’s so stiff. Oh my God, it hurts so bad!”
As the temperatures continue to drop, the community’s efforts to protect its most vulnerable residents are critical. Local shelters, public health officials, and outreach programs are working tirelessly to provide the resources and care necessary to keep homeless individuals safe during the harsh winter months. The struggle for stability remains ongoing, but these efforts offer hope for those in need of warmth, shelter, and support.
