In 2017, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 483 which grants the Council the authority to declare emergencies under specific circumstances. On October 22, 2025 the City Council adopted Resolution 2025-15, which authorizes temporary shelter facilities during severe cold weather conditions. This resolution allows for the suspension of applicable land use regulations and the associated review process to enable emergency cold weather shelter operations to be established for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Before an emergency shelter can open operators must submit to the city:
- A letter from the property owner authorizing the use of the property as a temporary overnight shelter.
- Operational permit from the fire safety manager authorizing the use of the space as a temporary overnight shelter.
- Shelter code of conduct.
- Emergency contact information for the shelter operator.
- Notify Sisters Deschutes County Sheriff on the nights the facility is open.
Emergency declarations are a temporary solution that allows the City and its partners to help houseless neighbors during extreme winter weather. The establishment of this emergency declaration underscores the city's commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and families within the community.
Authorized Temporary Cold Weather Shelter(s):
CORE has submitted all of the necessary documents for opening a temporary cold weather shelter facility at 222 N. Trinity Way. The City has authorized the facility to open in accordance with the guidelines in Resolution 2025-15. This authorization is valid from November 15 2025, through March 15, 2026.