picture: CO Daily News

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek says Central Oregon is making measurable progress on homelessness, pointing to a 20-percent reduction through stronger coordination between local governments and nonprofits. Speaking Monday in Redmond, Kotek said continued progress will depend on lawmakers maintaining support in the 2027 legislative session, especially for addiction prevention and rehousing programs. Statewide, homelessness is down about six percent. Caroline Cruz with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs credited partnerships across Central Oregon, saying improvements in health, family and justice services, education, and transportation are helping connect people to support. Kotek was joined at Shepherd’s House by Warm Springs leaders and elected officials from Bend, Redmond, and the legislature.