Lifeboat Services tells commissioners county cut shelter funding and pressured agreement
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Summary
Lifeboat Services representatives told the Clatsop County Board that a county funding formula will reduce Lifeboat's 2025 award and that staff were pressured to sign a funding agreement they say conflicts with state direction for shelter beds.
Erin Carlson, associate director of Lifeboat Services, told the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners that Lifeboat received $1,250,000 from the state after Governor Kotek’s emergency order to create low‑barrier shelter beds, and that the program ran with an annual operating budget of $625,000. "Under the county's funding formula now, we will be awarded $454,000 for the 2025 fiscal year on a $170,000 decrease in funding," Carlson said during public comment, urging the board to reconcile the county allocation with state guidance.
A Lifeboat representative later said the shelter was "strong‑armed into signing a funding agreement" that would reduce Lifeboat's funds by 27 percent while requiring the same level of services. The speaker contrasted Lifeboat’s low‑barrier walk‑in model with the Columbia Inn’s transitional housing model, saying the shelters are not comparable and that Lifeboat serves "five times more people in a high risk environment," necessitating more staff, training and supplies.
Board members did not take immediate action but indicated they would consider the comments. Chair Quila acknowledged receipt of the testimony and said commissioners would "take it back and discuss some things." The county’s written award channels and the county formula were discussed as separate from the state grant conditions Carlson cited.
Why it matters: Lifeboat’s account, if reflected in county funding decisions, could mean a reduction in low‑barrier shelter capacity for unsheltered residents and staff layoffs or service cuts. Lifeboat said state direction required that new shelter beds not be reduced; the group asked the county to revisit allocations and to meet with county staff to resolve operational and contractual concerns.
Next steps: Lifeboat invited commissioners to visit its shelter and requested direct county engagement to clarify the funding formula and distribution. The board did not vote on funding during the meeting.
