City of Bend seeks applicants for remaining federal funding for houseless services

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend City Council adopted a resolution creating a Houseless Services Grant Program using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other funds at Wednesday evening's meeting. The program funds will be used to support community-based organizations addressing houselessness, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All funds must be contracted by Dec. 31, 2024 and spent by Dec. 31, 2026.

The following project types are eligible to apply:

• New Safe Parking Start Up and Operations
• Existing Safe Parking Sites
• Shelter Services
• Outreach and Case Management for Unsheltered Individuals and Families in the Temporary Safe Stay Area at Juniper Ridge
• Housing-Focused Case Management and Houseless Prevention Services

Application materials will be posted on the City of Bend Houselessness Solutions webpage. Applications will open Nov. 7 and be considered until available funds are contracted or until Dec. 7, 2024. Login information for the remote informational sessions which will be held on Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. will be available with application materials.

“The City is grateful for the opportunity to support effective, local solutions to address houselessness,” said Amy Fraley, Senior Program Manager for Houselessness Solutions. “The grant program has the flexibility to fund high and low barrier shelters, housing-focused case management and outreach, safe parking, and prevention while ensuring benchmarks and data reporting is consistent and transparent.”

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2024 (ARPA) provided $1.9 trillion in funds to respond to COVID-19, including $350 billion in emergency funding for local, state, tribal and territorial governments.

The City of Bend was allocated and has received $14.08 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. The City has approximately $2.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds remaining, including $750,000 previously awarded to the City under an agreement with Deschutes County. The City also intends to partner with Deschutes County for additional funds for case management services at the Juniper Ridge Temporary Safe Stay Area supported under a joint resolution adopted by both bodies.

The Houseless Services Grant Program supports the joint effort by the City of Bend and Deschutes County, as well as the 2023-2025 City Council goals to maintain existing shelter beds and add additional capacity for emergency shelters and supportive services.

Learn more about the response to the houseless crisis at bendoregon.gov/houselessness.