Learn About Micro-Shelter Villages

Micro-shelter villages are new to Salem and provide managed, temporary housing opportunities for people who are unsheltered, combined with case management and outreach services designed to match individuals with resources.

The City of Salem, in partnership with area non-profits, offers temporary shelter for individuals who are chronically homeless or recently unhoused. These micro-shelter villages provide up to 40 small living spaces to be used as temporary housing. At each location, we are providing 24-hour security, on-site staff, restrooms, meals, peer support, and connections to local service providers and programs.

Micro-Shelter Property Requirements

The City of Salem is actively seeking locations to expand alternative shelter within the City Limits. Finding appropriate sites for the next micro-shelter community remains challenging. Ideally, properties suitable for this kind of shelter are positioned with:

  • Grade of less than 5%
  • Utilities and storm drain access within 100-200 feet
  • Bus stop within half a mile
  • Outside of floodway, at least 75 feet from riparian area, no wetland present
  • Within City of Salem limits, outside of FAA flight path

Get Involved

A parcel of land at 1280 Center St. NE will become the home of the micro-shelter community, Village of Hope.

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Sites Currently Being Considered

On January 24, 2022, Salem’s City Council approved the use of three locations for future micro-sheltering services: 1280 Center St. NE, the NW corner of Front St. and Hood St. NE, and 2410 Turner Rd. SE.  One of these three locations was funded to open in time for us to transfer the micro-shelter village at 2640 Portland Rd. NE, the “Village of Hope,” when the lease at the Portland Road site expires.  Funding for micro-sheltering services at the other two sites has not yet been secured.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about Micro-shelter Villages