Remembering Our Neighbors: Bend event shines light on affordability exodus
The advocacy group Bend YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) is hosting an event called “Remembering Our Neighbors” to honor residents who have been forced to move away from Bend due to rising housing costs. The volunteer-led organization, dedicated to advocating for more housing options such as townhomes, apartments, and infill developments hopes to draw attention to the increasing affordability crisis and spark community dialogue on potential solutions.
The “Remembering Our Neighbors” event, held at Bevel Brewing, creates a space for community members to gather and reflect on the significant loss felt as friends, family, and longtime residents leave Bend. Many attendees shared personal stories highlighting how housing costs have reshaped the fabric of neighborhoods and community life.
John Heylin, a volunteer and organizer with Bend YIMBY, told KTVZ News, “Anyone that's lived in Central Oregon for some time has more than likely faced the issue of their neighbors and their friends being priced out of the area...After years of thinking about it and dealing with the sadness of friends moving away, I decided to hold a kind of memorial event for the people who've been forced out because it's truly a loss for the community."
Bend YIMBY’s mission centers on making it possible for people from all walks of life, including essential workers like nurses, firefighters, and teachers to live in Bend. The organization encourages action to increase the housing supply, support policies that reduce building barriers, and promote diverse types of homes throughout the city. Advocates emphasize that ensuring Bend’s affordability is essential to maintaining the city’s vitality and inclusiveness.
The “Remembering Our Neighbors” event aims not only to honor those lost to the affordability crisis, but also to inspire practical action. Bend YIMBY encourages residents to engage in conversations, support pro-housing policies, and imagine a future where the city remains accessible to all income levels. Organizers hope the event will prompt lasting change to prevent further displacement and preserve the community’s character.
