SALEM, Ore. - Salem’s plan to relocate 40 micro-shelters to 1210 Center St. from its current location on Portland Rd., will move forward after the Marion County Circuit Court signed a judgment of dismissal in the Writ of Review. This means the City can continue to prepare the vacant lot for the transitional housing development.
“We are very pleased to see this next phase of the Center Street location moving forward,” said Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett “Micro-shelters, like this one, are key to getting people into long-term, stable housing. It’s this transitional period that we, and our community partners, have found tremendous success in getting people the assistance they need.”
Micro-shelter sites provide temporary and secure housing with 24-hour security, on-site staff, restrooms, meals, peer support, trash services, and connections to local service providers and programs. On-site staff assist with medical needs, job applications, and searching for long-term housing. The new “Village of Hope” location will be managed by our nonprofit partner organization, Church at the Park, which currently manages the Portland Rd. location.
"I'm beyond thrilled that the ‘Village of Hope’ will be relocating to the Center Street location,” said Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton, who represents Ward 1 in Salem “The citizens of Salem have repeatedly told us that addressing homelessness is your top priority and this is one of the ways in which Council is responding to that mandate. I'm excited to see this location up and running."
There are currently two micro-shelter sites located throughout the city, with two more locations in consideration for future use. You can learn more about micro-shelters and participate in a virtual conversation about micro-shelters. If you have questions, or would like to contribute to the conversation, two Zoom sessions are scheduled for Thursday, July 14th at noon and 6 p.m.
For more information about micro-shelters and/or to participate in the Zoom discussions, contact Gretchen Bennett, Unsheltered Residents and Houselessness Liaison at 503-540-2371.
Salem encourages anyone experiencing housing issues to contact social service providers to help identify any available resources and housing solutions in our community.
