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Bend and Deschutes County establish Temporary Safe Stay Area

Staff Report / Bendlocal.org

In a recent joint meeting, the City of Bend and Deschutes County unanimously agreed on a management strategy for Juniper Ridge in Oregon. The plan includes establishing a Temporary Safe Stay Area covering about 170 acres west of the railroad tracks and east of Highway 97, aimed at ensuring the safety of both housed and unhoused community members. By May 31, 2025, individuals camping in the Juniper Ridge Area will be relocated to the Temporary Safe Stay Area.

The agreement will offer services such as water, trash, and sanitation, along with increased security measures. The City and County will collaborate with service providers to offer intensive case management for housing, focusing on safety and key performance metrics to assist in transitioning into more permanent housing. Efforts to reduce fire hazards and fuel in the area were also discussed and included in the management plan.

Additionally, both entities will work with the Coordinated Houselessness Response Office to allocate resources for case management and operations in the temporary safe stay areas. This comprehensive approach aims to address security, wildfire mitigation, and provide support for transitioning to more lasting housing solutions for the community members at Juniper Ridge.

Source: City of Bend, Oregon Government

Source Type: Gov

Source Location: Bend

Sep 6, 2024 at 7:02 PM

Gov