BEND, OR -- Deschutes County’s Coordinated Houseless Response Office could soon be overseen by Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. County Commissioners unanimously agreed to have COIC consider aligning the office with their systems. The COIC board of directors will discuss the proposal at their August 3rd meeting.

Commissioner Phil Chang says the regional organization has the resources to form a strategic plan. “That is something that actually COIC is pretty good at, is helping to facilitate regional planning processes. So, I think it’s a good choice of where we should house the coordinated homeless response office,” Chang said COIC has resources and partnerships in place to aid the county, “This office does give us the opportunity to coordinate ‘intergovernmentally’ eventually when it’s not very clear in what we’re supposed to be doing. Which is why I keep saying that I think the office’s number one job is to develop a strategic plan so we know what we’re supposed to be doing.”

The board of directors made up of county and city elected officials is still responsible for managing $1-million in state funding, and reporting progress to the state. County Commissioner Patti Adair chairs the CHRO board, “It’s to keep our strategies going, aligning with all the different milestones, funding sources, and supporting all of our community partners,” she added joining COIC will be a boost for the office.

The decision comes a month after the resignation of the Executive Director. If the COIC board of of directors gives approval to run the Response Office, the county will enter into an intergovernmental agreement with COIC, which already works with the Homeless Leadership Coalition and the "Housing for All" consortium.