Category Homelessness
Wanted: more Salem spots to host a shower truck
A truck offering one of the few dependable places for unsheltered people to shower in Salem currently only has two places to park. At the Kindness Closet, which hosts the truck on Tuesdays, volunteers and visitors shared the impact they’ve seen from the service.
Salem leaders and service providers found in violation of ethics law over inadequate meeting notices
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission issued letters of education to directors on Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance board for failing to give the public adequate notice about their meetings.
As businesses call for fixes to clean up downtown, some say the problem is more complex
In the wake of a mass stabbing at Salem’s largest homeless shelter, discussions over public safety downtown have transformed into complaints about the visible impacts of unsheltered homelessness and mental illness.
New coordinator for Salem area homeless services brings optimism, expertise to role
Misty Bolger is the new executive director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance, which oversees the distribution of state and federal money to local homeless service providers. She hopes to improve efficiency and collaboration amid uncertain times for the agency.
Kotek homeless shelter bill gets trimmed in wake of budget shortfall
The legislation cleared a budgeting committee Tuesday after lawmakers balked at the state’s fiscal outlook and declining revenue.
A place to safely rest becomes a Salem crime scene
Staff and residents at Salem’s Union Gospel Mission said Monday they were praying for the Bend man accused of stabbing 12 people Sunday evening at Salem's largest shelter. Five remained hospitalized Monday.
UPDATE: Bend man accused of stabbing 12 during check-in at Salem Union Gospel Mission
Tony L. Williams, 42, of Bend, will appear in court Monday afternoon on assault charges. Staff reported the assailant was checking into the men's mission when he became agitated and began stabbing people.
UGM closed Monday morning following stabbing of employee, 10 shelter guests
All victims of the Sunday night mass stabbing at Salem's Union Gospel Mission survived the attack, according to Mark Hunter, the shelter's community engagement director.
Oregon sees a rise in eviction filings, but rent assistance programs are working
Preventing eviction is less expensive than re-housing people who are homeless, experts say.