City of Bend holds open house on project to turn motel into transitional homeless shelter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The city of Bend recently was awarded $2.97 million from the state-funded Project Turnkey to purchase a motel property and remodel it for use as a transitional homeless shelter.

To provide a general overview of the city's plans for remodeling the former Bend Value Inn on NE Division Street and manage the new shelter, city staff and service providers held an open house Tuesday evening to meet with community members and answer questions.

Bend Recovery Strategy and Impact Officer Carolyn Eagan says NeighborImpact will operate as the service provider for the shelter and determine what individuals or families will be admitted.

"A housing assessment is done," Eagan said. "What are their housing needs, what are their health needs, what are their family needs? That coordinated entry system is what is going to be used to to help prioritize and identify."

However, some community members are concerned that the shelter is low-barrier, meaning those staying can enter, even under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

But Eagan says those admitted have to operate under certain rules.

"You know, if they are visibly inebriated and they're causing problems, they would be asked to leave the shelter, or if they put a hole in the wall, they'd be asked to leave the shelter," Eagan said. "So there will be rules of engagement and rules for the community there."

Some neighbors at the open house expressed concern that putting the shelter there would bring in other people who are also experiencing homelessness.

But NeighborImpact says the only services that will be provided will be to those living in the shelter.

A total of 28 units will be provided, with a mix of housing options like stoves, refrigerators or multiple beds in some cases.

Onsite parking will also be included for those living at the shelter, and part of the remodeling process will be a pet relief area.

And although Eagan says it's a step in the right direction, it won't fix bigger homeless problems across Bend like the Hunnell Road encampment overnight.

The city says the plans are to open the facility before the end of the year.