BEND, OR -- Deschutes County commissioners agreed Wednesday to provide $750,000 to the city of Bend for the Franklin Avenue homeless Shelter, formerly the Rainbow Motel. The money comes from the county’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan. Another $750,000 went to the Central Oregon Villages shelter at Bear Creek Road and 27th Street in Bend. It is part of the county’s Homeless Solutions Partnership with the City of Bend.
But the board of commissioners meeting took a turn after the unanimous vote, when commissioner Tony DeBone expressed frustration with the progress on the homelessness issue. “This is a lot of money… it’s going to do good things … but when are we going to turn the corner on unsanctioned camping? …We just let people show up and set up on the side of the road, we’re kind of polite about it. We’re not going to incarcerate people. We’re not putting the pressure on some folks. And then we’re adding more and more services.”
Commissioner Phil Chang responded to Debone, “Do you know how many homeless people there were in Deschutes County when you took office? Do you know how many homeless people there are now? You’re talking about when are we going to turn the corner? When are we going to make progress? You have been in office for 12 years. Homelessness has almost tripled in this county during that period.” Chang accused DeBone of not aiding in the process, “There are people in our community who are trying to get things done. Who are trying to make a difference. …This is like a thousand points of light, right? There are people who are doing what they can, all sorts of initiatives, and basically asking them why they haven’t solved the problem yet is not helping anything.”
Debone said he wants to define how much more work is needed to address the unsanctioned camping situation.
Once open, the Franklin Avenue Shelter will provide at least 60 beds, including space for families with children, and those with medical issues.
Businesses around the Rainbow Motel approved of the plan for the shelter set to be operated by Shepherd’s House which will provide 24/7 onsite supervision and support, case management, food service, and will maintain a Good Neighbor Agreement with the surrounding businesses. It could open next month.
