Redmond city councilors, Deschutes County commissioners discuss managed homeless camp at joint meeting

(Update: Adding video, comments from Mayor Fitch, Commissioner Adair)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Like many cities in Oregon, Redmond is dealing with a homeless crisis.

Redmond leaders say they are committed to providing secure, supportive environments for those in need.

In an effort to tackle escalating homelessness, Redmond city councilors and Deschutes County commissioners met Tuesday evening in a joint workshop that included an update on the establishment of a managed homeless camp.

Mayor Ed Fitch said, “We're working on a camp that will accommodate about 60, plus or minus, homeless citizens. It'll be on the east side, north of Oasis (Village). We've had some preliminary designs. We're also taking a survey of the homeless in Redmond and making sure that we can accommodate those who are in need.”

Fitch says these specific sites may be smaller than what most people are used to, but the managed homeless camp will be equipped with trash compactors, porta-potties, and water, as well as other basic services. Those services will include visits from organizations who can help people get jobs and placement into a more stable housing environment.

Deschutes County Commission Chair Patti Adair says there are a number of housing projects for the homeless in play.

“We have the Oasis Village, and then we have the permanent supportive housing that the county actually approved to Rick Russell's group, which is on like 9.27 acres," she said. "And then behind that, they're talking about doing two acres to Jericho Road, for that group to have a location, a two-acre location, and then 9.83 acres for that managed camp, which is all on county land."

Critics of the camps have expressed concerns about the potential for such initiatives to become permanent fixtures, rather than temporary solutions. Others worry about the impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

However, supporters argue these managed camps provide much-needed stability and safety.

Adair said, “One thing I want people in the community to know is there are a lot of women now that are homeless, so we really need to help them find their way and become less vulnerable."

Mayor Fitch says he anticipates the new managed homeless camp should be fully operational by next summer, but wants to stress that a stay at this managed homeless camp, is not long-term.

“Well, it’s not intended to be permanent," he said. "And I think given the situation that people won't want to be there permanently. But those are details that are still have to get worked out, but we're very optimistic."

Mayor Fitch and Commissioner Adair says there's another meeting planned on Thursday to lock down more details, specifically as it relates to cost.