In a recent government meeting, Eliza Wilson, director of runaway and homeless youth services for JBARJ, presented a comprehensive report on the impact of the 2023-2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding awarded to local shelters, including Grandma's House of Central Oregon and the Loft Shelter.

Wilson highlighted that Grandma's House provided shelter to 30 youth families, comprising 34 parents aged 14 to 24 and 22 infants, maintaining full capacity throughout the grant period. The demographic data revealed significant disparities, with 41% of parents identifying as youth of color and 24% identifying as LGBTQ. Notably, 100% of the youth engaged in case management services, with 87% successfully transitioning to housing.

At the Loft Shelter, which caters to youth aged 14 to 24, 56 individuals were sheltered, with 76% identifying as white and 23% as youth of color. The shelter also reported that 83% of its residents exited to housing after receiving essential services and case management.

Wilson emphasized ongoing efforts to expand shelter capacity and long-term housing options for homeless youth, with new housing solutions expected to be available by November. This initiative aims to reduce the duration of shelter stays and increase successful transitions to permanent housing.

Additionally, the meeting included updates on the overall homelessness situation in Central Oregon. A recent point-in-time count indicated a decrease in homelessness in Bend, with 959 individuals reported as experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The city currently offers 523 beds across various shelters, including low-barrier options, and continues to explore additional safe parking solutions.

Overall, the city-supported shelters provided over 81,000 nights of shelter in the past year, with an average utilization rate of 89%. The collaborative efforts of local organizations and government bodies are showing promising results in addressing homelessness in the region.