Bend reports 1001 homeless individuals following China Hat land closure

The Bend Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) held a public meeting on May 14, 2025, addressing the pressing issue of homelessness in the city. The meeting revealed that Bend is currently facing a significant challenge, with 1,001 individuals experiencing homelessness, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. This rise comes after a 5% decrease in 2024, indicating a troubling trend despite efforts to provide more services and shelter.

The data presented highlighted that while the city has made strides in increasing shelter capacity, it still falls short of meeting the needs of the homeless population. Bend currently has 543 beds available, with only 226 classified as low barrier beds, which are crucial for those with varying needs. The city aims to maintain these beds and create additional safe parking sites as part of its 2025-2027 council goals.

Recent developments include the addition of 10 beds at the Franklin Avenue shelter and the establishment of a new safe parking site with six tiny home units. Between January and March 2025, city-funded shelters provided over 22,000 nights of shelter, achieving a remarkable 98% utilization rate. However, many shelters have been operating above capacity, indicating a persistent demand for more resources.

The meeting also addressed the impact of recent public land closures, particularly the May 1 closure at China Hat, which displaced approximately 102 individuals. This closure, part of a larger vegetation management project, has raised concerns about where these individuals have relocated. Some have accessed services and moved into permanent housing, while others have migrated to temporary safe sites.

As the city grapples with these challenges, the AHAC continues to seek solutions to improve housing stability and support for the homeless population. The discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing need for community engagement and resource allocation to address homelessness effectively in Bend.