Shelter from the storm April 06 2021
Sandy and Estacada have food programs, but lack shelter for unhoused people, which was highlighted by winter storm
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to many community members including those in Sandy and Estacada who are seeking shelter.
When a snow and ice storm made its way through the region in February, many of the typical warming shelters in both communities were unable to open because of COVID-19 safety requirements for social distancing.
Initially, the closest warming centers were in Oregon City and Molalla, both of which required lengthy bus rides with at least one transfer. However, as the storm progressed, a shelter was opened at the Alton Collins Retreat Center in Eagle Creek.
East Clackamas warming shelters open, but not in all areas
Sandy, Estacada homeless population will have to travel to seek warmth amid winter weather conditions
As temperatures are expected to drop this week, many without housing in the Sandy and Estacada areas are seeking shelter. At Estacada Food Bank, at least 32 of their regular customers are people who are homeless and have been camping in neighboring wooded areas for some semblance of shelter. Additionally, 20 customers live in vehicles and 28 customers categorized themselves as unhoused.
In Sandy, the city has seen an increase in people who are homeless coming in during the pandemic, but Kirsten Pitzer with the Sandy Community Action Center says because of a lack of warming shelters nearby, she suspects those folks bus out of town on the weekends to the Portland metro area where warming shelters are more plentiful.