BEND, OR -- Bend City Council spent several hours Wednesday night discussing new codes for temporary shelters serving those experiencing houselessness. Before the start of the open hearing, Councilor Megan Perkins offered an update on plans for the Rainbow Motel, purchased last year by the city, "Beginning in mid May the Rainbow Motel property on Franklin Avenue will be temporarily used to accommodate 44 community members in low-barrier overnight shelter. The Franklin Avenue site will be operated by NeighborImpact for current residents of the shelter on Division Street, while the city renovates the Division Street property." After that renovation, those 44 people will move back to the Division Street shelter and the motel will be used by the Shepherd’s House while its Second Street facility transitions into a navigation center. Then, the city plans to renovate the Rainbow Motel property into housing, a city hall or other public use.
Councilor Perkins also spoke about misconceptions surrounding low-barrier homeless shelters after several in the crowd complained about proposed shelter code changes, "Low barrier shelters encourage people to seek resources by eliminating obstacles, including identification requirements and background checks, pet restrictions and sobriety mandates. But, low barrier does not mean no barrier. Local low barrier shelters do not permit alcohol, drugs or criminal acts on site. Our Division Street shelter, for instance, has two pages of rules for the individuals and families living within." City staff also discussed unsanctioned camps, saying state law mandates the city can only crack down on those camps once more shelter beds are available.
In its first in-person meeting in two years, City Council heard public testimony from the crowded room and through a virtual platform. Dozens of people testified, including retired Bend Police Chief Jim Porter. Public opinions were split between those who want to see the city move forward on changes that would allow more shelters, and people who say more restrictions are needed. Click HERE to watch the four hour meeting.
Council is expected to vote on a first reading at its May 18 meeting.
