Bethlehem Inn to house newly released offenders

Deschutes County Adult Parole & Probation announced Wednesday it is entering into a new partnership with the Bethlehem Inn emergency shelter in Bend to take in a small number of offenders released from prison who need transitional housing.

In announcing the partnership, officials said the agreement with the Community Justice Department’s Parole and Probation division continues the long history that the county and Bethlehem Inn have shared. The inn is Central Oregon’s only emergency shelter for men, women and families.

The agreement was inspired by the large gap in the Central Oregon housing market for offenders being released from prison, officials said.

The new contract will help the county find temporary housing for offenders who would otherwise be immediately homeless.

Beginning next month, Bethlehem Inn will allocate five beds to Deschutes Adult Parole & Probation clients it will receive from the County’s Justice Reinvestment Program offender reentry program.

The program serves offenders being released back into the community after completing time in prison.

“This is a prime example of how a public-private partnership can leverage the strengths of both entities to create a stronger and safer community for all,” said Gwenn Wysling, executive director of the Bethlehem Inn.

The one-year partnership with renewal options will provide the county the ability to identify appropriate candidates for transitional leave, those people who would be re-entering the community from a structured and programmed environment.

The beds will be paid for through the Justice Reinvestment Program Grant to the county.

The Bethlehem Inn has 15 years of experience in providing safe, secure and accountable emergency shelter. Bethlehem Inn staff will offer their expertise in case management to the men and women chosen for early release through this new agreement.

“The goal is to help provide individuals the best possible chance for success,” the announcement said.