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.
United Way kickstarts expansion for senior affordable cottages
The new Cottages United community welcomed its first residents in June. United Way leaders hope to soon break ground on an expansion which would add 15 studios, more than doubling its capacity. Over 180 seniors are on the waitlist.
Salem Health accused of monopolizing heart care
The region’s largest independent heart health center is suing Salem Health for $15 million, claiming that the Salem organization used intimidation and misinformation against its competitor.
Mill Creek neighbors to launch restoration work
Over 900 feet of Mill Creek will be restored with native plants following an effort by a group of neighbors to secure grant funding.
Grace House to add more beds for homeless women
Women at the Well Grace House, a women’s shelter in south central Salem, will soon expand to add more beds and services for women transitioning out of homelessness and incarceration.
Cherriots reports increase in assaults against drivers, workers
Between April and June the number of reported assaults against transit operators in the Salem area more than doubled, to 22, compared to the prior quarter. The Cherriots Board will hear a security report at its Sept. 26 meeting.
ARCHES hopes new day center fence will help clients feel safer, deter after-hours gatherings
The ARCHES Day Center plans to install an iron fence around its downtown facility and the neighboring Coldwell Banker building. ARCHES leadership said they hope it will make the vulnerable unsheltered people who use its services feel safer.
What’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in September
Exhibits in Salem this month include landscapes from local wineries, a celebration of Indigenous artists in the Pacific Northwest and meditations on the self. It’s also the last month to visit Salem on the Edge downtown before it closes.
Latter-day Saints bring haircuts to Salem family micro shelters
A community-organized event brought haircuts to over a dozen kids, teens and moms at Church at the Park’s family micro shelter site. The event sold out an Amazon wish list of hair care supplies for the families in less than a day.
Salemites take home dozens of blue ribbons at the Oregon State Fair
An optometrist who keeps bees behind his practice, a 4-year-old with a green thumb and a couple who’ve been married for 58 years are among Salem’s first-place winners at the Oregon State Fair this year.
Church at the Park to expand adult micro shelter site
Salem’s oldest micro shelter site, Village of Hope, plans to soon add 40 beds and pave sidewalks to accommodate unsheltered people over age 55 in Salem.