Severe Weather Shelter Open in Medford Feb. 16 & 17

Published on February 16, 2026

Medford Interim City Manager John Vial has issued a severe weather event declaration for Monday, Feb. 16, and Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The declaration allows the use of approved severe weather event shelter facilities to provide overnight lodging when temperatures are expected to fall below 25°F, or 32°F with additional factors such as precipitation or wind.

Shelter Location & Hours

The Medford Severe Weather Shelter will be open Feb. 16 and 17 at:

332 W. 6th Street
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Services include food, bedding, restrooms, and dry storage capabilities. Non-aggressive pets are welcome, and pet food will be available. The shelter can accommodate 64 individuals and is low barrier, thus does not require any religious affiliation or drug testing to enter.

The shelter is staffed by volunteers coordinated by ACCESS. If you are interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@accesshelps.org for more information.

The City is closely monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates to the declaration status as necessary. Text MED4SHELTERS to 888777 to receive the latest on severe weather event shelters in Medford. 

Additionally, the City will postpone the removal of tents that are unlawful under the prohibited camping ordinance until the end of this severe event declaration, provided that the tent is in a location where bedroll sleeping is normally permitted. All other prohibited camping restrictions, including fires, sleeping in the riparian zone, and blocking sidewalks remain in force throughout the City.

Background

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. 

For more information, click here.