The Bethlehem Inn asked the City of Redmond and Deschutes County to split the nearly $1 million needed to finish converting a motel into a homeless shelter.
In a Redmond City Council meeting Tuesday night, the nonprofit’s Executive Director Gwenn Wysling said the funding through Project Turnkey covered initial safety upgrades, but failed to pay for other crucial items.
“We’re grateful for what Project Turnkey has gotten started, but we’re also experiencing what that gap is now to make sure that it is done right,” she said.
The future homeless shelter still needs a commercial kitchen, bedding and furniture, fire alarms and security cameras, and other necessities.
Wysling said that of a leftover $1.2 million in expenses, the shelter needs $900,000 to cover the remaining costs.
She asked the city and county to split the costs; Deschutes County commissioners have said they support the plan and could use money from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“It is well worth the investment, and really I think the intended use of the ARPA funds [is] to help the community be stronger and help those that are struggling,” Wysling said.
The Bethlehem Inn bought the old Greenway Motel in May, to provide 25 rooms for those experiencing homelessness and connect them with community resources.
City councilors will meet with the Deschutes County commissioners next Wednesday and may discuss prioritizing the funding at that time.
