Salem has tripled the number of emergency shelter beds in the past five years amid growing concerns from citizens and city leaders about homelessness. But high housing costs, drug abuse and temporary funding remain challenges to tackling the problem.
Natalie Sharp
A guide to Salem’s expanding homeless shelters
Since 2018, Salem nonprofits and the city have worked to more than triple the number of shelter beds available for homeless residents. Here’s a look at what’s available.
Downtown Salem bake shop rebuilding after window smashed in bar fight
Sewell Sweets, a bakery which has had a downtown storefront for about nine months, suffered a smashed window and furniture damage from a bar fight that sent two people through their side window Saturday night.
Dozens find temporary help toward housing, goals at Salem’s new Navigation Center
Salem’s Navigation Center, a low-barrier shelter for chronically homeless people, is housing 42 people three months after opening.
Salem’s outreach teams provide life-saving cooling supplies to unsheltered neighbors
On the hottest days of the year so far, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency sent teams out to provide water, Gatorade, cool rags and sunscreen.
Two years in, micro shelters continue to send about half of adults to better destinations
Church at the Park has expanded its sheltering services over the past year under contracts with the city of Salem. But city money to pay for the programs runs out in June 2024, while a new tax that would help cover operations is headed to Salem voters.
Stay cool during Salem’s hottest week of summer yet
Salem is forecasted to have highs in the 100s next week from Sunday through Wednesday, prompting health advisories and a citywide burn ban.
Affordable apartments for dozens of veterans nearly complete
Peter Courtney joined a crowd of hundreds Thursday to celebrate the near-completion of the YMCA veteran housing project that bears his name. Apartments will open in January.
Ironman will return to Salem through 2028
After three years of hosting the triathlon, Travel Salem and Ironman 70.3 have agreed to bring the race back to Salem for another five years, boosting the local economy.
Facing hiring difficulties, Marion County mobile crisis teams are still months from operation
Marion County officials announced last fall they intended to start up a mobile team to respond to people in mental health crisis. But they’ve been unable to hire mental health professionals to launch the program.
