Category Homelessness
Grants Pass to provide 150 camping spaces, $60k in services after disability rights suit
Grants Pass previously made headlines for the U.S. Supreme Court case allowing penalties for camping prohibited by local ordinances.
Homeless advocates say mayor’s rhetoric during council meeting was “inflammatory”
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy said during an Aug. 11 meeting that placing more public restrooms downtown is not a viable solution to perceived unsanitary conditions because people have ‘firebombed’ them in the past. Salem police said they had one record of a fire reported in a portable toilet in Marion Square Park last year, which was out when officers arrived.
Church at the Park suggests new job program to clean up downtown
As discussions between the city and business owners continue to focus on the waste generated by unsheltered homelessness, Church at the Park has pitched a plan for a new cleanup team intended to build bridges between the communities while helping shelter residents gain job experience.
Welding, warehouse job training join list of resources available to formerly incarcerated people
After a change in location, the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency's program for people leaving jails and prisons has partnered with Chemeketa Community College for job training. It’s among many services offered by the lesser-known program.
Helping Hands Resources gets state boost to deliver more clothes, necessities to community
Thousands of people in Salem have gotten free clothes and a fresh start through Helping Hands Resources, a volunteer-run nonprofit which processes and distributes donations. They recently received a state grant bringing them closer to a larger, renovated facility.
Suspect in UGM stabbing ordered to receive mental care at Oregon State Hospital
The Bend man charged in last month’s mass stabbing at the Union Gospel Mission was ordered Thursday to be committed to the Oregon State Hospital within a week. Tony L. Williams, 42, has been ordered to mental care at the state hospital twice before, records show.
3 accused of egging unsheltered people in downtown Salem
The Salem Police Department has cited three people for bias and disorderly conduct after reports that unsheltered people had been hit with eggs three nights in a row last week. Police found over 225 eggs in the suspects’ car. Homeless service providers said their clients are still struggling to process it.
UGM stabbing suspect needs mental care at Oregon State Hospital to face charges, psychologist finds
The Bend man charged with stabbing 11 people at the Union Gospel Mission in June could be sent to the Oregon State Hospital for mental health care if a judge finds him unfit to face the charges against him. In a sealed report, a psychologist recommended that the man receive care at the state hospital for three months.
COLUMN: Why some might poop in doorways
Columnist and homeless advocate Lynelle Wilcox shares what she's learned from conversations with homeless Salemites about using the bathroom.