TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Steve Powers, City Manager
FROM: Gretchen Bennett, Homelessness Liaison
SUBJECT:
title
Homelessness Update
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Safe Community; Welcoming and Livable Community.
end
SUMMARY:
summary
Cleaning, crisis response and expanding shelter options characterize the focus of City collaborations.
end
ISSUE:
Information Only.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information Only.
body
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
Salem Warming Network: City grant funding provides for site stipends, staff coordination and other costs to address the life-saving work of providing warmth during cold nights. The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency leads the Salem Warming Network in Salem. Twenty-five beds at the City funded indoor warming duration shelter at 2640 Portland Road NE opened last month; about sixty beds at the City funded indoor warming at 3737 Portland Road NE open this month, both operated by Church @ the Park. The Navigation Center property at 2285 22nd Ave. SE is also planned for use with the Salem Warming Network.
One Hundred Microshelter Contributions: Community members, led by Salem resident Hazel Patton, adopted one hundred micro shelters through a $5,000 gift apiece. This significant community contribution covers the cost of the 50 shelters in operation today and provides for 50 more at sites to be determined.
Cascades Gateway Park: Since the park was closed to camping, about 1800 cubic yards of garbage and debris has been removed. The park next enters the restoration phase; target opening dates would be for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.
Wallace Marine Park: Outreach and compliance staff worked last week to engage everyone in vehicles after park hours; attention turns next to any camping that may be occurring against park rules and in areas of concern for flooding.
Navigation Center Preparation: The City is at work with an architect and space design professional to prepare designs for remodel, so that the building can be repurposed from an office building to a navigation center. More precise budget and timeline information will be available soon.
State owned sites: The City communicates regularly with ODOT related to state-owned properties in need of cleaning; the City shares this information with nonprofit service provides so that those sheltering on state property receive navigation services as areas are cleaned. November 8, the State plans to clean at the area near Mission and CostCo; the State plans to clean at the South Salem I-5 exit near the sound wall on November 15.
Alternative locations: An urgent need continues to expand alternative options for those in need of sheltering. Outdoor locations of at least ¾ acre, with limited slope, not on a wetland or floodplain, are sought. Indoor locations of at least 2500 square feet are sought.
BACKGROUND:
Further detail can be found in the City’s Community Report. Addressing homelessness is the first priority listed in the City Council Strategic Plan Policy Agenda.
Gretchen Bennett
Liaison
Attachments:
None.