Category City News
Salem launches REACH Team to respond to mental health, substance crises
Salem launched a new response team called REACH to handle 911 calls involving mental health crises and substance use – without relying solely on police or fire crews. Staffed by a paramedic, EMT and Marion County mental health professional, the team is part of a six-month pilot to de-escalate crises, connect people to services and reduce repeat emergency calls.
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Salem Health, Santiam Hospital will seek state approval for merger
State regulators must approve a proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics. Santiam leaders said they expect to keep existing clinics and facilities open under the merger.
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UPDATE: Salem warming shelter to open nightly, through Friday
The warming shelter at Salem First Presbyterian Church will be open Tuesday through Friday night, with below-freezing temperatures expected. It opens at 7 p.m., and guests will be served dinner, snacks and breakfast.
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City replaces 27 trash cans to increase cleanliness downtown
The city of Salem is set to replace all trash cans downtown this month as part of a plan to improve sidewalks and public areas. The project will cost $37,000 in urban renewal funds.
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Salvation Army to close Lighthouse Shelter
Since 1966, the Salvation Army Lighthouse Shelter has provided a place for people in Salem to get off the streets. It will be closing at the end of January due to ongoing financial challenges, with the organization reallocating resources to its food pantry and case management.
Warming shelter at Salem First Presbyterian Church to open over the weekend
With temperatures expected to dip below freezing, the warming shelter at Salem First Presbyterian Church will be opening overnight on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Guests can bring pets and will be served dinner and breakfast.
Budget committee votes to seek $400,000 fund for social needs, ICE impacts
The city budget committee voted 11-7 on Wednesday night to recommend a city fund to provide assistance to those in need, including people impacted by federal immigration enforcement activities in Salem. A final decision would come from the city council.
City of Salem asks Army Corps to consider delaying Detroit Lake drawdown
A Monday letter from the city of Salem asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate delaying the planned Detroit Lake drawdown so they could "develop and test" wells. It is among five other recommendations the city made for the drawdown, which is scheduled for November or December this year.
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Federal grants to Salem homeless services likely to be renewed after court ruling halts drastic policy changes
For over two months, Salem area homeless services that provide shelter and housing to people in the community faced uncertainty over the renewal of expected funding after the Trump administration announced major changes to its grant process. Last week, after a judge found the changes would likely cause "irreparable harm,” the administration reversed course for the time being.