MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Medford’s Kelly Shelter for the homeless will be able to open on time thanks to a church’s investment in a fire sprinkler system.
The Mail Tribune reported Monday that the warming shelter is located in the basement of First United Methodist Church. It is scheduled to open Jan. 1, but almost had to postpone that date because the building lacks sprinklers in certain areas.
The church says it has put $50,000 toward installing sprinklers throughout the building.
The shelter opened for the first time last winter and can house 50 homeless people.
Pastor Linda Tucker said she would like to host more community activities inside the building after the sprinkler system is installed.