Marion, Polk counties to hire homeless coordinator

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A coalition of county and city governments in the central Willamette Valley are close to hiring a coordinator to help manage the region’s growing homeless population.
 
The Statesman Journal reported Tuesday that Salem and Marion County would pay $45,000 each toward salary and benefits, while the towns of Keizer, Monmouth and Independence would chip in $5,000 each.
 
The Salem City Council unanimously approved the funding Monday.
 
The coordinator would work for the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments, an intergovernmental group based in Salem.
 
Sean O’Day, the council’s executive director, says for now the position will be for one year — but that could be extended.
 
Job responsibilities would include coordinating services among government agencies and nonprofits.
 
Numbers of unsheltered homeless have been growing across the West Coast, including in Oregon.
 
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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com