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The City of Bend will contribute $750,000 through ARPA and Deschutes County will match that amount.
It will be a “high barrier” shelter, meaning the people approved to live in the camp will have to stay away from drugs and alcohol, among other things. Central Oregon Villages, the organization building the tiny homes, will vet the candidates chosen to live there.
Central Oregon Daily went to the Larkspur Neighborhood next to the property that will host the shelters.
“We were just concerned mainly because the kids in this neighborhood during the winter time are often at the bus stop in the dark of night or in the dark of the early morning,” said Nicholas Burnam, a Larkspur resident.
However, after being told the shelters would prioritize housing women and children, he was less worried.
“It takes a lot of concern out of, you know, and I’m just happy that they’re able to have a place to be,” said Burnam.
The facilities will also provide water, electricity, toilets, showers and access to food services.
Central Oregon Villages’ program proposal included the following parameters:
- Prioritized entry for women and children but will not be limited to only serving women and children.
- Identification of households to reside at the shelter by Central Oregon Villages through the Coordinated Entry System and through existing relationships with houseless community members.
- Case management to increase access to services and more permanent housing.
- Portable toilets and handwashing stations, and service by the mobile shower truck. Daily food service provided by Family Kitchen or other contractor. The site will also have access to water and electricity.
- Entry requirements for shelter clients will include a commitment to abstain from drug/alcohol use while living at the shelter; to participate in case management; to participate in duties to operate/maintain the outdoor shelter, and similar activities
