‘Stability’: Former SE Bend motel transformed into 76 units of transitional housing apartments for homeless

(Update: Adding video, comments from mayor pro-tem, COIC, property manager)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A former motel turned into 76 units of new transitional housing for the homeless was unveiled Monday to Deschutes County and City of Bend officials who were among those who got a tour of the renovated apartments.

The renovated apartment-style units will house individuals and families, part of a demographic the city says is often overlooked.

The Old Mill Inn & Suites on Third Street in southern Bend was bought by Fortify in 2021 to be turned into housing, with the help of the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council and Governor Tina Kotek's emergency funding.

"Right now, we have shelters, and we have affordable housing. But there is there is a need in the middle," said Mayor Pro-Tem Megan Perkins. "And that's for people that can pay fair market rent, or have housing vouchers, but can't afford even affordable housing."

City and county leaders met to celebrate the opening with a tour of three units.

Property manager William Butcher said, "Our goals are really just to try to create an environment that is safe and trauma-informed and that helps bring stability back to folks that really don't have that," said

Central Oregon's homeless crisis is not one size fits all. Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council Executive Director Tammy Baney says.

"We have hundreds that are living on our public lands," Baney said. "And so for us, our community, we don't see the tents, we don't see the individuals that are struggling. But they are there, and they are in need."

Foundry is a private contracting company that runs similar programs in other areas of the Pacific Northwest, including Medford.

Residents are referred by community partners and providers and undergo low-barrier background checks before moving in. They're expected to stay for about six months.

Baney said, "This property is going to be one where it may not be full overnight, but that isn't necessarily a negative. That means that we are getting the right people for the right outcomes."

The first residents are expected to begin moving in as soon as this week.