City staff updates AHAC on temporary safe-stay area reductions and new safe-parking pods

Brooke O'Keefe, the city's homeless services coordinator, updated the committee on operations and milestones at the Juniper Ridge temporary safe stay area (TSSA).

She said the TSSA was established in fall 2024 to mitigate unmanaged camping and provide sanitation and case management. "Sections 1 and 2 were closed on May 31," she said, completing a 50% reduction milestone for year two; she added the full closure is scheduled on or before June 30, 2027.

Brooke reported that as of June 30 there were 214 people camping in the TSSA in 150 camps. Service providers have recorded more than 9,600 hours at the site, supported 503 clients, facilitated over 4,400 client engagements and documented 41 exits to shelter or more permanent housing. Staff described enforcement measures including a by-name list created on May 31 so security can identify and direct people who were not on the original list to leave; the health and safety team also issues formal notices.

Brooke also described recent expansions in safe parking: Mountain View Community Development opened a new five-space safe-parking site and Central Oregon Villages is holding an open house for another shelter provider. The city will post materials and contact information on its website and include updates in the city housing newsletter.

The committee asked about public communications; staff and the city attorney's office said staff and the real estate/facilities and housing director have given interviews and the city web pages and council briefings are primary public channels.