Homeless advocates react to Redmond-area eviction plans

Central Oregon’s Homeless Leadership Coalition said Tuesday it has been informed that Deschutes County, the Oregon Irrigation District and the Redmond School District plan to carry out evictions of the
men and women who remain camped on public land east of Redmond.

“This action has been noticed to occur starting on (Monday) June 4 but has not been publicized until now,” the group said in a news release.

“This eviction action is likely to result in arrests, impoundments, confiscation of possessions, and a great deal of trash, debris and abandoned vehicles to be cleaned up at public expense,” the coalition said.

Regular outreach efforts by agencies and nonprofits who work with the homeless have continued since
the mass removals and road blockages took place last fall. However, the coalition said, “People are still living on these public lands because this has become their place of shelter over the past several years.”

“They have not left for a variety of reasons,” the coalition said. “Some are long-time residents of the area and Central Oregon is what they call home. Some do not have operable vehicles, or their RVs are immobilized. Some are fearful of being ticketed or having their vehicles and RVs impounded once they reach public roadways, which occurred frequently last fall when residents were attempting to follow orders and leave.

“Some have chosen to continue a lifestyle that is their choice, the organization said. “The bottom line is almost all of them have limited financial resources or options on where to relocate.

The HLC said it has organized the Redmond-area service providers who assist with the homeless and houseless.

A special meeting will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Redmond library. Outreach is being made by agencies and the HLC before the June 4 eviction deadline to each of the persons still on site.

“We are hoping that law enforcement does not ticket drivers or vehicles that may attempt to leave before June 4th,” the coalition said. “The HLC is willing to be involved in meetings regarding this situation. Ultimately, we hope that the county and communities continue the work that has been done to help prevent and end homelessness in Central Oregon, and in the short term help find temporary or permanent shelter for the people being evicted.

For more information, contact the HLC Coordinator, George Myers, at 612-419-6408, or HLC Co-Chairpersons, Molly Taroli at 503-730-1280 and Colleen Thomas at 541-317-3153.

The Homeless Leadership Coalition is a collaboration of community partners in Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes counties engaging the community through education, advocacy, planning, prioritization and accountability for services to persons experiencing homelessness. HLC consists of more than 40 organizations including faith communities, shelter providers, public schools, public health, emergency services, veterans outreach, public safety, mental health, housing services, public services, private employers and community advocates. They represent a diverse group of interests, unified by a common focus: a Central Oregon where everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.

NewsChannel 21’s A.J. Kato is looking into the new eviction plans and will have a report on Fox @ 4 and KTVZ at 5 and 6.