This article examines how Open Doors, a key emergency shelter provider in Harrisonburg, VA, is responding to dangerous cold weather by activating its Severe Weather Operations Plan. As temperatures are forecast to plunge to critically low levels, the organization is expanding capacity to protect unhoused and vulnerable residents.
Below, we explore what this plan involves, why it matters for public health and safety, and how community members can access or support these life-saving services.
Severe Weather Operations Activated in Harrisonburg
When winter weather turns extreme, the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related health emergencies escalates sharply—especially for people without stable housing.
In response to a forecast of temperatures dropping to 20°F or below on November 28, Open Doors in Harrisonburg has activated its Severe Weather Operations Plan for the first time this thermal season.
Open Doors operates out of the Navigation Center at 1111 N. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA.
It has become a cornerstone of the local safety net for people experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
What the Severe Weather Operations Plan Does
Under normal conditions, Open Doors runs a year-round emergency shelter with 80 beds.
This baseline capacity already plays a crucial role in meeting the ongoing demand for safe, indoor sleeping space in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area.
However, conditions change dramatically when temperatures drop into the dangerous range.
When forecasts predict temperatures at or below 20°F, Open Doors triggers its Severe Weather Operations Plan.
This protocol is designed to quickly expand capacity and reduce the risk of cold-related injury or death among unsheltered individuals.
Expanded Winter Shelter Capacity and Criteria
Activating the severe weather plan allows the shelter to temporarily increase its capacity beyond standard limits.
This responsive model ensures that additional beds are made available precisely when the health risks of remaining outdoors are highest.
Up to 100 People Served on Critical Nights
During severe weather activations, Open Doors adds 20 extra beds to its existing 80-bed operation.
This means that on qualifying nights, including the evening of November 28, the shelter can serve up to 100 individuals.
Dr. Nate Riddle, Executive Director of Open Doors, reports that the shelter in its new facility rarely operates below full capacity.
This observation underscores that the need is not limited to extreme weather events; it is a persistent, year-round challenge.
Importantly, the expanded capacity is not in effect every night.
It is only activated when specific severe weather criteria are met—primarily forecasted temperatures at or below 20°F.
This intentional threshold is based on established public health concerns related to cold exposure.
Accessing Shelter During Severe Weather
For individuals seeking emergency shelter on cold nights, clear and predictable access procedures are essential.
Open Doors has set up straightforward guidelines to ensure that those in need know when and how to secure a bed.
Location, Arrival Time, and Bed Allocation
Open Doors operates out of the Navigation Center at 1111 N. Main St. in Harrisonburg.
Those in need of shelter on severe weather nights are advised to:
- Arrive at the Navigation Center by 6:00 p.m.
- Understand that beds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Seek information from local outreach organizations or service providers if they are unsure whether the severe weather plan is in effect.
This first-come system allows the shelter to operate fairly and efficiently under high demand.
It encourages early arrival so staff can safely manage intake and bed assignment.
The Broader Public Health and Community Impact
The activation of the Severe Weather Operations Plan is more than a logistical adjustment; it is a critical public health intervention.
Exposure to temperatures at or below 20°F significantly increases the risk of life-threatening conditions, particularly among people who are unsheltered, medically fragile, or otherwise vulnerable.
Meeting a Persistent and Growing Need
Dr. Riddle’s observation that the shelter is rarely below full capacity signals a broader reality. The need for emergency shelter in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area is ongoing and substantial.
While severe weather operations help address acute risk on the coldest nights, they also highlight structural issues. These include housing affordability, mental health care access, and income instability that drive homelessness.
The November 28 activation serves as a stark reminder that reliable shelter options are not a luxury. They are a lifesaving necessity for many community members during winter months.
By scaling up during extreme cold, Open Doors is fulfilling a vital role in regional resilience and public health protection.
Here is the source article for this story: Open Doors activates First Severe Weather Operations of 2025 Thermal Season