BEND, OR -- Seasonal workers at Mount Bachelor now have a new housing option: living at the Campfire Hotel in Bend. "lYear over year, we have lots of employees that inquire about housing opportunities through Mt. Bachelor," says Michelle Murray, Human Resources Director for Mount Bachelor, "So, in response to that, we’ve been chatting with local groups to see if we can partner on any opportunities."

She tells KBND News they’ve offered some rental help in the past, but as housing has become more difficult to find in Bend, Murray says they needed to expand the program. "A lot of our new hires might be coming from working at another resort somewhere else - either in Oregon or out of the state - and are new to Bend and are having a hard time with the pricing here, locally."

They’ll have 52 beds available at the hotel, with options for single or double rooms. "It's fun to see people respond to the questionnaires that we have on the application, to see if they are interested in a double room, what they’re looking for in a roommate and who they are," says Murray.

Rent will be subsidized by Bachelor, "After they pay those move-in fees, we’re taking the rent through biweekly payroll deductions. So, employees don’t have to worry about paying their rent on time, they don’t have to worry about having one big amount come out of their bank account once a month."

Murray adds, "Being able to provide an opportunity in town that also provides really good amenities, even though they are removed from the resort. The shuttle picks up at Hawthorne Station a couple of times a day, so employees can pop on the shuttle and come straight to work within walking distance from their front door. There’s a nearby food and grocery." She also notes the hotel has a heated year-round pool and offers guests numerous social activities. 

It takes around 600 people to staff the resort for winter, but Murray says most full-time and returning workers already have housing secured. Those living at the Campfire will move in November 15. Opening Day is slated for after Thanksgiving. 

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