Talent agency asks OHCS and ACCESS for written proposals as board considers phased extension of Gateway transitional housing

The Talent Urban Renewal Agency asked Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and ACCESS for written proposals on Oct. 2 as it weighed whether to extend operations at the Gateway Transitional RV Park and proceed with a previously approved trailer disposition plan for 53 travel trailers.

Executive Director Gary told the board an OHCS-ACCESS meeting in mid-September directed staff not to convey trailers to current residents and discussed funding ACCESS to continue management and casework through Dec. 31, 2025. Gary said TURRA (the Talent Urban Renewal Agency) approved a trailer disposition plan in June 2024 but was not invited to the September meeting; he asked OHCS why TURRA had been excluded and requested written clarification.

Why it matters: the site houses wildfire survivors and contains students whose families attend local schools; board members and recovery officials said moving many families in the middle of the school year would disrupt children’s education and reduce families’ housing options. Matthew Haver, deputy director and housing recovery director for the Jackson County Community Long Term Recovery Group, urged a phased transition and asked the agency to time any mass relocations to avoid the school year.

The agency’s options and current status: staff outlined six recommended steps including requesting written proposals from OHCS and ACCESS for any extension, asking ACCESS for a renewed site-management proposal by Oct. 23, considering a lease extension through June 30, 2025 (but not later than Dec. 31, 2025), requesting compensation for use of the property, and proposing OHCS assume ownership of trailers remaining on site effective Jan. 31, 2025. Gary said OHCS staff confirmed they would pay relocation costs for families who choose to take ownership of their trailers and that ownership would not disqualify applicants from future state programs such as HARP or the program renamed DPA (down payment assistance).

Board concerns centered on three points: (1) timing — several members preferred a summer or midsummer target so schoolchildren would not be displaced during the school year; (2) assurances — members wanted written guarantees from OHCS and ACCESS about funding and proactive resident communication to avoid people “falling through the cracks”; and (3) operational risk — some board members warned that a rapid exodus of residents could make the site financially infeasible for ACCESS to operate, which could create new risks for remaining residents.

Public testimony included a resident, Janice Lim, who described safety interventions and said some residents are ready to leave while others need more assistance; Lim urged the agency to allow residents who are prepared to relocate to move rather than delay all departures. Recovery group representatives emphasized the limited housing options currently available and the value of a phased approach.

Next steps: the board reached consensus to request written proposals from OHCS and ACCESS for an extension of site operations and to consider a timeframe that would likely extend into summer to minimize school-year disruption. Gary said staff will meet individually with residents who wish to pursue relocation sooner and will bring any written proposals back to the board following the partners’ meeting scheduled for Oct. 9 and the agency’s next review session. No formal vote was taken on approving or rejecting the disposition plan during the special meeting; the board deferred a final decision pending written proposals and clearer funding commitments.