City of Medford & ACCESS Announce Severe Weather Shelter Operations
Published on November 21, 2025
The City of Medford and ACCESS are working together once again this winter to ensure that our community’s most vulnerable residents have access to life-saving shelter during periods of extreme cold.
The Medford Severe Weather Shelter, located at 332 W. 6th Street, is a critical resource that provides warmth, safety, and essential services for our unhoused neighbors when weather conditions become dangerous.
The Medford Severe Weather Shelter offers 64 beds and provides guests with a safe place to sleep, as well as warm meals and beverages during their stay. This shelter plays a crucial role in protecting individuals from life-threatening conditions during the coldest days of the year.
The shelter is operated by ACCESS, in close coordination with the City of Medford’s Office of Emergency Management. The two organizations work hand-in-hand to review conditions and determine when the shelter should open. The criteria for activation have been jointly agreed upon by both the City and ACCESS, ensuring decisions are grounded in shared understanding, clear expectations, and a unified commitment to community safety.
Criteria for Activation
The shelter is activated based on National Weather Service forecasts that meet one of the following jointly established thresholds for two or more consecutive days:
• Temperatures of 25°F or below with no precipitation, or
• Temperatures of 32°F or below with precipitation
Because operating the shelter safely requires significant coordination, 2–3 days of notice are needed to secure staffing, volunteers, and resources. Forecasts can shift quickly, and both ACCESS and the City work diligently to anticipate weather patterns and respond appropriately.
Roles & Responsibilities
- City of Medford: Reviews weather conditions, provides support and guidance, issues a declaration from the City Manager authorizing ACCESS to activate the shelter when thresholds are met, and is responsible for sending public notices through the multiple city communication channels including Everbridge Nixle, to alert the community when the shelter is activated.
- ACCESS: Manages all shelter operations, including staffing and volunteers, meals, cleaning, and sanitation. The availability of trained staff and volunteers is the most critical factor in opening the shelter; without adequate support, the shelter cannot operate safely.
Given that the shelter is a life-saving intervention, staffing and funding are prioritized for days when extreme weather poses the highest risk. This ensures the shelter can operate effectively and safely during the most dangerous conditions.
“The City of Medford and ACCESS are committed to ensuring our unhoused neighbors are not left out in the cold during severe weather,” said City and ACCESS leadership in a joint statement. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of volunteers and community partners who help make this critical service possible.”
How the Community Can Help
Community members are encouraged to volunteer or support shelter operations to help ensure adequate staffing throughout the cold-weather season. More information about volunteer opportunities and shelter updates is available at accesshelps.org.