Eugene to offer ‘rest stops’ for homeless

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Homeless people in Eugene will be able to receive temporary shelter across the city as officials have voted to expand the city’s “rest stop” program.

The Register-Guard reports (http://bit.ly/2eKbg3K ) that the City Council on Wednesday voted to expand homeless camps to other parts of the city and to make what was a three-year pilot program permanent.

Currently the city has five rest stops in the Whiteaker neighborhood. Each camp allows up to 20 people to legally camp and sleep at designated areas managed by nonprofit organizations. Rest stops are intended to be a temporary solution where homeless people can find some stability and connect to social services.

According to city data, last year, more than 260 people stayed at the rest stops and Opportunity Village, with 55 people moving into permanent housing after.

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com