Tag HOMELESSNESS
Salem-area homeless deaths declined in 2024, preliminary state data shows
Oregon Health Authority data shows the number of homeless people who died in Marion and Polk counties decreased last year from 50 to 45. Homeless advocates say that’s thanks to an increase in available shelter beds in recent years.
State courts wipe over 8,000 past evictions in Marion, Polk counties
A state law passed in 2023 required courts to seal past evictions annually in some circumstances, removing a key barrier to finding new housing that heightens renters’ risk of homelessness.
Annual unsheltered homeless count to return in January
After a yearlong break to find ways to collect better data, the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance plans to conduct a survey of the Salem region’s unsheltered community in a way that’s more comfortable for the community. They’ll need volunteers to help with the effort.
Wallace Park gunman sentenced for killing man, wounding another at homeless camp
Arlie Thomspon, 24, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Wednesday for shooting two men, one fatally, at Wallace Marine Park in April. Prosecutors say Charley Hodges, 29, tried to protect the other victim from the gunman before he was killed.
Documentary screenings in Salem hope to shed light on senior homelessness crisis
Upcoming Salem screenings of the documentary “No Place to Grow Old” will share the stories of three Portland seniors dealing with homelessness and housing insecurity. Organized in partnership with Church at the Park, the movie hopes to put faces to a rising issue throughout the state.
New affordable housing complex is Salem’s largest yet
The recently completed Mahonia Crossing affordable housing complex in southeast Salem is designed to help seniors, kids and families get to know one another. A grand opening celebration on Tuesday celebrated the local, state and federal collaboration which got the project done.
More than 500 formerly homeless Oregonians found housing this year
The state is on track to meet Gov. Tina Kotek's goal of moving 650 formerly homeless Oregonians into permanent housing, but remains far short of a target for preventing homelessness.
Teenager given 7 years in youth correctional facility for beating to death a Salem homeless man
Over a year after Joshua D. Upton Jr. beat Russell Mikolas, a Salem homeless man, he pleaded guilty to the murder and received a seven-year sentence. At a sentencing hearing on Thursday, Aug. 22, the victim’s relatives described Mikolas as a kind and generous man.
Wallace Park gunman stormed tent camp over lost pistol before deadly shooting
A Salem man last Friday accused residents of a homeless camp at Wallace Marine Park of stealing his missing pistol and held one at gunpoint. Residents tried to de-escalate the suspect before the confrontation turned deadly.