Abbey McDonald
Senior Reporter Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022, where she covers homelessness and housing. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
Coordinator of Salem-area homeless services resigns
Elaine Lozier, executive director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance, announced Tuesday that she would be stepping down for personal reasons.
Dozens of Salem veterans find home, support at Courtney Place
Veterans who have moved into Courtney Place say the affordable apartment building feels different from other places they’ve lived, with a natural community as people bond over shared experiences and struggles.
Documentary screenings in Salem hope to shed light on senior homelessness crisis
Upcoming Salem screenings of the documentary “No Place to Grow Old” will share the stories of three Portland seniors dealing with homelessness and housing insecurity. Organized in partnership with Church at the Park, the movie hopes to put faces to a rising issue throughout the state.
Salem Reads 2025 pick looks at family secrets through memoir
The Salem Reads pick for 2025 is “Why Didn’t You Tell Me?” a memoir by Carmen Rita Wong exploring identity and family. Starting in February, community events include an art and writing contest, an expert talk on DNA testing and a virtual talk with the author.
With his term ending, volunteer urges Salem residents to get involved in city boards, commissions
In his six years on the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, volunteer Dylan McDowell has helped guide city policy and get more people outside. As his last term comes to an end, he hopes to encourage more people to get involved in city processes.
What’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in November
This month in Salem, shop from over 1,500 handcrafted bowls and dishes, see work by Salem artist Gary Westford and view local photographs taken with antique methods.
New affordable housing complex is Salem’s largest yet
The recently completed Mahonia Crossing affordable housing complex in southeast Salem is designed to help seniors, kids and families get to know one another. A grand opening celebration on Tuesday celebrated the local, state and federal collaboration which got the project done.
One year in, Avelo has received $446k from grant to subsidize Salem operations
Travel Salem officials said they expect Avelo Airlines’ Salem operations to remain commercially viable when a grant to pay minimum revenue guarantees expires in a year. The money comes from a federal grant and private contributions, not city funds.
Bush Park’s “heart and soul” celebrates 89th birthday after decades volunteering
Sofia Schwarz is known for two decades of volunteer work to rake and restore Bush’s Pasture Park. She celebrated the park and shared favorite stories at her 89th birthday party on Thursday.
Waitlists are opening for several affordable apartment complexes in Salem. Here’s what to know.
Salem Housing Authority waitlists for five affordable apartment complexes will open on Saturday, Oct. 26, for the first time in months. Applicants will be placed on the list in the order that they submit materials, and the last day to apply is Nov. 17.