Emergency Weather Shelter
This winter, St. John is opening its doors to the most vulnerable in our community.
We’re hosting an Emergency Weather Shelter.
Three years ago, we were approached by the City of Milwaukie. Would St. John be willing to open an overnight shelter for our unhoused neighbors during periods of extreme cold weather? After a lot of research, discussion, and prayer, the parish’s answer was a resounding YES! We knew we needed to find a partner with the expertise and experience to run the operations and there is no one better than The Father’s Heart. We approached them, and their response was an enthusiastic YES! Rev Jeanne reached out to our community neighbors in the Historic Downtown Milwaukie area, including small business owners and residents. Would they support a shelter at the church? Again, we heard YES! Finally, we applied to Clackamas County for funding and their answer was… you guessed it… YES!
October 2025 Open House
The support for this project has been overwhelming and on October 22, 2025, we gathered representatives from our church, our diocese, and our community to celebrate the opening of the emergency weather shelter. Bishop Akiyama was present to bless the space with the following prayer:
Merciful God, whose Son Jesus comforted many who lived without a home: we commend to your care all who seek shelter and warmth in this place, and for those who care for them. By your grace, lend compassion and hospitality to all who are welcomed in from the cold, bring healing and comfort to those in need, that all may know your power and goodness and rise up to serve you, in the strength of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the blessing, grace, and mercy of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be upon this place and its people this day and ever more. Amen.
FAQs
Q: Where will the shelter be?
A: Our guests will sleep in the West Wing conference room with access to the narthex and bathrooms on the west side of the building. There will be no access to the office, the sanctuary, or anything on the east side of the building (including the parish hall, kitchen, and preschool classrooms).
Q: How may people will stay overnight?
A: Our contract states that we can house up to twenty adults. The Father’s Heart (TFH) will supply trained, skilled professionals who will run the nightly operations.
Q: What happens in the morning?
A: The Father’s Heart will arrange morning transportation for guests to their day program in Oregon City or other resource centers in the area. Overnight guests will not be allowed to stay at St. John after the shelter closes at 8:30am. In rare circumstances, when the weather is forecast to remain dangerously cold throughout the day, the shelter may stay open all day.
Q: This is great! I want to get involved. How can I help?
A: There will be many ways for parishioners and community members to get involved. Please fill out the Google Form HERE and someone will get in touch with you.
