‘This place is fantastic!’: New program at Bethlehem Inn in Redmond helps residents move into stable housing

(Update: Adding video, comments from resident, staff)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  The Bethlehem Inn's Redmond facility, formerly an emergency shelter, reopened its doors this year with a new program to help people move into stable housing, and is seeing success.

Resident Steven Singleton said Monday, "Here, it's more of a place to live than crash at night."

Singleton has been living at the Redmond Bethlehem Inn since March.

"This place is fantastic!" he said. "If you're putting in an effort, they do everything they can to help you out."

The facility shifted gears after a remodel, opening in January with a long-term program, bridging a gap between emergency shelters and long-term housing.

Executive Director Gwenn Wysling said, "One of the aspects to qualify or make you eligible to come here is that you are currently working with one of our providers, one of our partner agencies. That's where the referrals come from, so you can stay here."

Individuals opting for a clean and sober environment work on challenges and to find permanent housing, with case management staff.  They get job assistance, a health and wellness plan, and set up a budget.

The Redmond Bethlehem Inn is offering second chances and hope to residents.

Singleton said, "I've been here and tried to find a job, got a job, and I saw this hat that someone donated. Every day you wake up, just try to take a step forward and make yourself a little bit better than you were yesterday."

Singleton now works at a large local manufacturing warehouse.

The Redmond facility can take about 30 participants in the new program, allowing them to stay as long as they need.

Wysling said, "This gives an opportunity not to feel like there's a rush, and there's an opportunity to really take time to connect with resources and put that plan together."

Residents like Singleton also get the basics like meals, and clothing made possible through ongoing donations to the nonprofit.

"I just live in the now," he said, "because that's the best place to live."

Since the Redmond Bethlehem Inn reopened its doors five months ago, 10 people have moved out. Seven of the 10 have moved into permanent housing.

Wysling describes the new program as a tremendous success.

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