Making a Difference: Central Oregon’s Bethlehem Inn transforms lives through shelter, help, and hope

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- At KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon's youth through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships. 

We have six incredible community partnerships that we’re highlighting through a monthly segment called ‘Making a Difference’.  This month we’re spotlighting Bethlehem Inn—a community-supported, high barrier emergency shelter nonprofit in Bend and Redmond. 

"Our mission is transforming lives together through shelter, help, and hope. And the really most important part of that line is the together,” said Michael Hancock, the executive director of Bethlehem Inn. 

Bethlehem Inn has been making a difference in our community since 1999. 

“We serve just under 200 people a night. But I don't want anybody to believe that all we do here is provide a warm place to stay and food and hygiene supplies,” Hancock said. 

It provides a warm, safe place to sleep, nourishing meals, and case management services for adults and children experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon. 

“We have a work experience program where we're helping people gain skills. We bring on-site, vendors who come in and do financial education, employment education, just a variety of things to bring about skills,” said Hancock. “So that when people do get out of this shelter, we're helping them break out of the cycle of homelessness, rather than just spiraling back.” 

The work couldn’t be done without support from the community. 

“It really does take a village for this mission,” Hancock said. “And we’re so fortunate to be in this village.” 

Bethlehem Inn is getting ready to open a thrift boutique in Redmond so it can bolster its work experience program, hire past participants, and earn additional funds for operations.  

We’ll keep you updated on the opening date but it should be in the coming weeks. 

Click here to learn more about Bethlehem Inn.