Oxford Winter House opening delayed
Organizers of the city’s new temporary shelter have devised a temporary solution as temperatures drop below freezing.
After months of planning, the opening of Oxford’s Winter House has been postponed just as temperatures in the city drop below freezing. In the meantime, organizers of the temporary shelter have devised a temporary solution.
The Oxford Winter House, organized by the Oxford Area Solutions for Housing (OASH) group and local faith community, was meant to open on Dec. 1, accepting 16 occupants at any given time until Feb. 28.
But just days before the shelter’s opening, on Nov. 28, the Oxford Winter House announced its operations would be delayed for at least a week due to damage to wiring caused by squirrels in the house at 5223 College Corner Pike.
According to a Facebook post made on the shelter’s page, “Substantial repairs and construction are underway to ensure the safety of all the guests, staff, and volunteers entering the building.”
Temperatures in the Greater Cincinnati area have dropped below freezing nearly every day this month so far, reaching below zero, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The highest snow depth recorded in the Greater Cincinnati area so far this month, according to the NWS, has been five inches.
In response, the shelter’s organizers said they would begin accommodating some unhoused clients Friday, Dec. 12 at a local hotel and the Oxford Vineyard Church, according to a news release. An update provided by the shelter said the organizers were able to accommodate two people since then.
Anyone in need of shelter may call or text call or text (513) 817-5054 for information or a referral.
The exact opening date for the shelter is still unclear, although the shelter’s organizers are still asking for volunteers to help prepare for guests. Anyone wishing to help may sign up at oashox.org/volunteer.
