BEND, OR -- Shepherd's House now has a Residential Nurse working at its shelters.

Amber Knapp has been stationed at the Franklin Avenue facility since January 31, and says she hit the ground running, “It's been kind of a whirlwind so far. And then we're also working with the state to increase our harm reduction program here. We're trying to get Narcan, wound supplies, and hygiene supplies. We've just seen an increase in overdoses. So, we're trying to make sure people have Narcan on hand in case that happens.” Knapp tells KBND News one of her main tasks is coordinating medical care, “You know, I have a hard enough time myself with doctor’s appointments and I don't have barriers. Our patients have a lot of barriers and getting their medical appointments organized, can be a lot, and that can be a lot to remember.”

The Bend native felt compelled to help her hometown after getting her nursing degree. “I worked at the county for three years and I did work a lot with our unhoused population. We'd go out to camps and see patients and I just really enjoyed it and felt like they were just really underserved in our community. There seems to be a big stigma against our unhoused population. And so, I just have a heart for it,” she says.

Funding for the nursing position comes from a two-year grant provided by Pacific Source Community Solutions, and a match from the Central Oregon Health Council.

Shepherd’s House Ministries operates shelters in Bend and Redmond.