Skip Navigation

News

  • Jan
    21
    2016

    Area Cities and Counties Collaborate on Mid-Willamette Homeless Initiative

    Posted by: Mid-Willamette Homeless Initiative

    Salem, OR - The number of people who are homeless throughout Marion and Polk counties is on the rise and local city and county leaders are joining forces to help generate solutions. Civic leaders are in the process of formally establishing the Mid-Willamette Homeless Initiative which will strive to help address some of the fundamental issues facing homeless people in the broader Salem-Keizer metro area and across Marion and Polk Counties.

    "This is a pressing and complex issue that warrants a strong, community partnership to find solutions," said Salem Mayor Anna Peterson. "This collaborative approach will increase our success."

    The task force begins next month and continues until February 2017, unless additional time is needed. The task force will focus on the homeless problem in cities and counties; lack of affordable housing; best practices for reducing chronic homelessness; current available services; impacts on public safety and business; and potential revenue sources. Contributing factors such as mental illness, addiction, lack of education and the need for transportation, as well as the challenges of unique populations such as youth and/or veterans will also be addressed.

    Structure
    The task force will be led by Salem Mayor Anna Peterson, Keizer Mayor Cathy Clark, Marion County Commissioner Janet Carlson and Polk County Commissioner Jennifer Wheeler. Each jurisdiction will appoint up to five community members to serve on the task force with expertise in the diverse and complex factors affecting homelessness.

    Keizer Mayor Cathy Clark said, "By coming together to learn more about the needs of homeless members of our communities, we can leverage resources, build relationships, and create opportunities for practical and effective pathways to connect people with housing and other services they may need." She continued, "We have a model of success with the Marion County Reentry Initiative, tailoring our efforts to make a real difference in supporting a commitment to long term success. I believe that we can bring that same can-do spirit into the Mid-Willamette Homeless Initiative."

    Task Force Members
    Community and civic leaders have indicated their willingness to serve on the committee:

    City of Keizer (pending February 1, 2016 council approval)
    Councilor Kim Freeman, City of Keizer
    Patty Ignatowski, Business Representative, rental properties owner and realtor
    Verena Wessel, Social Services Representative
    Shaney Starr, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Dick Withnell

    Marion County (pending January 27, 2016 board approval)
    Bruce Bailey, Union Gospel Mission
    Gladys Blum, Gladys Blum Real Estate
    Sheriff Jason Myers, Marion County
    Jon Reeves, Mid-Valley Community Action Agency

    Polk County (appointed January 6, 2016)
    Steve Bobb, Sr, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
    Sheriff Mark Garton, Polk County
    Heidi Mackay, West Salem Business Association
    Irma Oliveros, Salem-Keizer School District

    City of Salem (appointed January 11, 2016)
    Councilor Warren Bednarz, City of Salem
    Ron Hays, Mountain West Investments-Mission Advancement
    Judge David Leith, Marion County Circuit Court
    Chief Jerry Moore, City of Salem Police Department

    "We're so pleased to have assembled this accomplished group of community leaders who are invested in improving the lives of residents in our communities," said Polk County Commissioner Jennifer Wheeler. "People must have affordable, stable housing to be able to exit poverty and become self-sufficient. The collaborative approach to this challenging issue is the right start and I am eager to be a part of the process."

    Funding
    "There's quite a network of local, state and federal funds as well as private foundations and investment resources," said Marion County Commissioner Janet Carlson. "One of the goals of the initiative will be to identify and seek out diversified support."

    Funding currently used to address homelessness includes the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, Continuum of Care, Emergency Solutions Grants, Shelter Plus Care, and Supportive Housing Program, all of which are supported by federal government funds.

    Next Steps
    The first meeting of the task force is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 2016, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room at the Salem Library located at 585 Liberty Street SE in Salem, Oregon. The meeting is open to the public. The task force will begin reviewing local data and current available services, as well as assess gaps in service and prioritize needs.

    Information
    For more information regarding the Mid-Willamette Homeless Initiative, contact:

    Hitesh Parekh, Marion County
    (503) 566-3915 or hparekh@co.marion.or.us

    Laura Walker
    City of Salem, Urban Development
    (503) 540-2405 or lwalker@cityofsalem.net

    Area Cities and Counties Collaborate on Mid-Willamette Homeless Initiative
​​​​​ View All News