Governor Kotek praises Central Oregon’s collaborative efforts and accomplishments in reducing homelessness

(Update: adding statements from Governor Kotek, local leaders)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek visited Redmond Monday to meet with Central Oregon leaders and service providers, highlighting what she called significant progress in reducing homelessness across the region.

Kotek spoke at Shepherd’s House Ministries’ Redmond Center, where she thanked local providers, city leaders, tribal representatives, and housing advocates for their work expanding shelter, housing, and support services.

According to this year’s Point in Time Count, a federally required annual snapshot of homelessness, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon dropped nearly 21% compared to 2025.

“We’re here also to celebrate the tremendous local work that has been done to reduce the unsheltered homelessness numbers in Central Oregon,” Kotek said. “And that is progress. But that is a clear indication of all the great hard work, collaboration, coordination among our local government leaders, our community service providers doing the hard work here.”

Kotek said the state has invested in homelessness response efforts across Oregon, but emphasized that Central Oregon’s progress is driven by local coordination.

“Sometimes we feel things are unsolvable,” Kotek said. “But here in Central Oregon, you are showing that when you all work together, and you have a plan, people are going to get helped. And we’re going to see numbers change.”

The governor also pointed to statewide progress, saying unsheltered homelessness has declined across 35 Oregon counties that reported data consistently from last year. She said the number of chronically homeless unsheltered individuals is also down, along with unsheltered families with children.

Since declaring a homelessness emergency when she took office, Kotek said Oregon has created more than 6,000 shelter beds, rehoused 5,500 Oregonians, and provided prevention assistance to more than 26,000 people.

“The reality is, if we continue this housing continuum in the state, it is going to take ongoing funding and it has to continue to have ongoing outcomes that are positive for the people who are being served,” Kotek said.

Local leaders also spoke about the work being done in Central Oregon.

Eliza Wilson, executive director of RootedHomes and chair of the local Continuum of Care, said housing affordability remains a major contributor to homelessness.

“It truly is a housing issue,” Wilson said. “Together, we really can actualize a future where everyone in Oregon has a safe and stable place to call home.”

Caroline Cruz, chief operations officer for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, spoke about the tribe’s 24/7 homeless program, which provides shelter, food, hygiene services and wraparound support. Cruz said the program has expanded over the past three years with additional tiny huts, laundry access, food services, and an indoor dining room.

From January 1 through May 31 of this year, Cruz said the program served 6,375 meals, recorded 2,469 bathroom and shower visits, provided 1,793 overnight stays, and offered 110 laundry service visits.

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch said the city has invested more than $2.5 million to improve facilities, provide shelter, and help people move toward permanent housing.

“The lion’s share of credit, however, belongs to the men and women who devote their time and resources to helping those suffering from homelessness,” Fitch said, naming local organizations including Shepherd’s House, Jericho Road, Mountain View Fellowship, and Bethlehem Inn.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said Bend-funded programs, including state pass-through dollars, helped support more than 330 positive transitions out of homelessness in the past year, including 250 into permanent housing. She said those programs also helped prevent more than 440 people from becoming homeless and provided more than 90,000 nights of shelter and safe parking.

“This is going to continue to take courage and competent leadership at all levels,” Kebler said. “We cannot do it ourselves. Cities cannot do it ourselves. But neither can the state.”

During media questions, KTVZ News asked Kotek what is being done to assist homeless shelters and food banks as the cost of living continues to rise.

Kotek said the state is seeing cost pressures across Oregon, including higher food, gas, and utility costs. She said the state is looking at those issues separately, including food access, utility rate increases, and housing supply.

“It’s food, utilities, housing costs...and the state is a strong partner with Central Oregon to get that done. We're going to have to work together," Kotek said.

Kotek said the state will continue focusing on eviction prevention, shelter funding, and rehousing efforts. She said maintaining those programs will be a priority heading into the next legislative session, even as Oregon faces a challenging budget environment.

“We still have plenty of work to do,” Kotek said. “But sometimes you have to stop and say, ‘See, we can do this.’ You’re doing it here. We’re doing it for the state. We’re going to continue to do the work because that’s what it means to take care of our neighbors. And as your governor, I am so proud of you."