Oregon Public Broadcasting

Across the Northwest, waiting lists at homeless shelters are getting longer. Temperatures in the single digits in some parts of the region are driving more people to seek refuge. Richland correspondent Anna King reports.

More families with two parents are seeking shelter. There’s a variety of shelters in the Northwest. Some offer a parking spot for those who live in their RVs and cars.

Others offer mini apartments with beds and kitchens for families with children.

Erin Bonner is with ShelterCare in Eugene, Oregon. She says shelters like hers face a double whammy.

Erin Bonner: “Donations are down considerably from last year. So we’re getting increased need with fewer resources and that’s not a good long-term situation.” 

Bonner says layoffs and stiff competition for entry-level jobs will likely up the number of people looking for assistance in the New Year. She says it usually takes a few months of unemployment for families to lose their housing.