Since a mid-August 2021 event at Riverfront Park, a group of community volunteers has collected 100 micro-shelter donations.  Started by Hazel Patton, the group's goal is to offer micro-shelters for adoption.  The 64 square foot micro-shelters are intended to serve as a transitional living space for those living unsheltered in our community. Compact in design, pallet shelters fit two single beds and offer a secure location to store personal belongings. 

"Hazel Patton, Dino Venti, Ron Steiner, Jinx Brandt, and Emil Graziani show the spirit of Salem in action," Mayor Chuck Bennett said.  "They issued a 'call to action' and this community responded.  It's very impressive to see what we can accomplish when we come together for a common cause, caring for those in need in our community. Keep it coming!"

The City's website features organizations working to support those living unsheltered in our community. 

The City of Salem is actively seeking locations to expand alternative shelter options. Finding appropriate sites for the next micro-shelter community remains challenging. Ideally, properties suitable for this kind of sheltering are at least ¾ acre in size, near services, accessible by transit, and not exclusively residentially zoned. Suggestions for sites should be directed to media@cityofsalem.net. 

Keep up to date on City progress here