Bend City Council outlines 2024 homelessness solutions including new shelter initiatives

The Bend Economic Development Advisory Board meeting on May 5, 2025, spotlighted the ongoing challenges and strategies surrounding homelessness in Central Oregon. The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count revealed a concerning 10% increase in homelessness from January 2023, with 1,811 individuals counted across the region. However, Bend reported a decrease to approximately 959 people experiencing homelessness, bucking the statewide trend.

A key highlight of the meeting was the significant drop in unsheltered individuals, a category that includes those living in places not meant for human habitation. This decline is attributed to the availability of additional shelter beds, with 537 beds currently accessible in the city, including 226 designated as low-barrier shelters. These facilities allow families and pets, and do not require background checks or sobriety, aiming to build rapport with individuals before introducing them to supportive services.

City officials emphasized a shift in their role regarding homelessness, moving from direct shelter operations to supporting community partners and managing contracts. This transition is facilitated by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and pending legislation aimed at establishing a sustainable statewide shelter system.

The meeting also discussed the city's efforts to maintain existing shelter beds and create safe parking areas, often in collaboration with local faith communities. Notable projects include the Stepping Stone Shelter, which provides 56 beds, and the Navigation Center, a low-barrier shelter with 100 beds that serves as a critical resource for those in immediate need.

Despite concerns about empty shelter beds, officials reported a 98% utilization rate since January 2025, underscoring the demand for these services. The city is also actively working on a temporary safe stay area in Juniper Ridge, designated for use until the end of 2026, to accommodate individuals displaced by public land closures.

As Bend continues to navigate the complexities of homelessness, city leaders remain committed to enhancing support systems and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to safe and dignified living conditions.