After Oregon formed multi-agency coordinating groups across the state, these teams just submitted proposals, suggesting new solutions to address the homeless crisis.
This comes as Governor Kotek just signed a bill for a $200 million funding package for emergency housing. The state now plans to review proposals from these groups before delegating funding.
In Marion and Polk Counties, the MAC group is requesting $16 million. Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon said this will be used for shelter beds, and new strategies to get people off the street and into housing.
"That will be momentous for our community. It will be the most amount of funds we’ve moved from the homeless alliance into our communities in our history. We couldn’t do this without all of the service providers coming to the table," Gordon said.
The Mayor of Keizer said they want to prioritize shelter spaces where people can close a door for privacy.
"To increase the number of actual, low-barrier emergency shelter beds in our two-county region. So, we looked at what do we have. Where are the opportunities for expansion? What does it mean to have an emergency shelter?" Cathy Clark said.
Clark said they also want to add beds into congregate, trauma-informed settings.
"Looking at what services have to be on-site and making sure that the proposals are comprehensive for both the shelter and the support necessary for the clients," she said.
Both advocates with the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance said they want to make sure the work they're doing now will extend into long-term solutions.
"The worst thing that could happen is that we fund these programs and the funding gets cut and we have to shut down some shelters or permanent supportive housing facilities. That’s certainly not our intention, and I hope it’s not the intention of the state," Gordon said.
Gordon said MAC groups will finalize plans in April.
Governor Kotek said by January of 2024 she wants to see 600 new low-barrier shelter beds, and at least 1200 unsheltered households inside a home statewide.