Jericho Road seeks county letter to support Redmond service hub; commissioners ask for more data

Jericho Road asked Deschutes County commissioners on April 6 for a letter of support that would allow the nonprofit to pursue a land lease and fundraise for a proposed service hub east of Redmond.

For the record, Elanor Bessinette, chair of Jericho Road’s board, described the proposal as a low‑barrier, single‑point‑of‑entry facility with a 2,500‑square‑foot modular building, a 1,600‑square‑foot heated storage area, year‑round shower access for the organization’s shower trailer, client meeting rooms, kitchen and a parking/pet area. Don Senacle, identified as a contract fund developer for Jericho Road, said the construction budget is “right around a million dollars” and the operating budget is estimated at roughly $500,000–$550,000 per year.

Commissioners pressed for outcome information and safety plans. One commissioner asked how many people Jericho Road’s efforts had moved into permanent housing; Bessinette said the group refers clients to continuum partners and provided a 2024 tally for its housing assistance program: 198 requests for assistance covering 281 adults and 312 children, with subsets including seniors, veterans and domestic‑violence survivors. Jericho Road also told the board that more than 170 unique individuals participate in its propane canister exchange program, a safety measure staff said reduces the use of small disposable canisters and lowers fire risk.

Several commissioners expressed conditional support but raised concerns about the county taking on liability or appearing to enable long‑term encampment. Staff clarified there is no county funding request in the letter; rather, Jericho Road seeks a county commitment of land access via an agreement to reserve the parcel until fundraising completes. Commissioners asked staff to draft a letter and return it for formal consideration and approval. No lease or financial commitment was approved at the meeting.

Why it matters: Consolidating outreach services in a single facility could streamline access for unhoused residents, allow year‑round hygiene services and free partners to coordinate more efficiently. Commissioners said they want assurances on metrics showing people are transitioning into housing, clarity on who will operate and manage the site long term, and a plan to mitigate fire and public‑safety risks.

What’s next: Staff will work with Jericho Road on a draft letter of commitment that responds to the board’s questions on outcomes, funding, operations and liability and return the item for formal action.