[OMS_MANAGERS] Registration Available for Rural Forward Event on 5/19

Tue Dec 5 11:32:22 PST 2023

Tkeisha,
What a commendable project. It is a delicate balance between keeping a town safe and welcoming while also supporting those who are experiencing homelessness. While I don't have small town experience with this, it might be helpful to connect with other, larger organizations who are doing similar work and scale it down to your needs.

For instance, the folks at the Homeless Solutions Coalition of Clackamas County<https://hsccc.org/> are doing great work. A dear friend of mine was instrumental in the development of HSCCC and from our conversations, it seems that the more you can connect with other organizations and non-profits already doing work with unhoused people, the more successful the outcomes. Creating programs that invite wrap-around services to build rapport/trust and get folks plugged into services seems to be key. I hope this helps a little. Thank you for the work you are doing.

Marci Jory
City of Gladstone
Economic Development/Tourism Coordinator
________________________________
From: OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> on behalf of Sheridan Revitalization <revitalizesheridan at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 11:12 AM
To: Oregon Main Street Network Members <oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov>
Subject: Re: [OMS_MANAGERS] Registration Available for Rural Forward Event on 5/19

Hello,

I wanted to pivot back to this discussion that was brought up in April of this year about what cities are doing related to the homeless issue. Our Main St Group (Sheridan Revitalization) is now part of a housing taskforce, which was set-up by our mayor and city council, to look into possible avenues the city can take. We are most likely going to be looking into a mobile shower/washer unit, supporting a soup kitchen and a resource center that could be staffed maybe one day a week. The task force is meeting for the first time tomorrow and I was hoping to get some information on how smaller cities like Sheridan have been able to deal with this.

We obviously want to protect our downtown and the parks, and priority really is on keeping our town safe for families and children, but as the homeless issue continues to compile, the council needs to take action. Have any smaller towns been able to find good solutions that don't encourage homeless to move into the area, but help support those who are homeless there to improve their situation? We are looking for effective programs and grants that can help fund them. Any information is appreciated!

Thank you,
Tkeisha
Sheridan Revitalization Movement

On Sun, Apr 16, 2023 at 8:11 PM Spruce Up Warrenton <spruceupwarrenton at gmail.com<mailto:spruceupwarrenton at gmail.com>> wrote:
Something you might want to research is the possibility of your non-profit leasing the park ($1 for 10 years etc), which I believe it would then be classified as private property. In the lease agreement you and the city can word it that the city would still maintain the property but your organization would have the freedom to set the rules and regulations when pertaining to the homeless, like being able to legally remove them.  Just a thought………
Jeanne Smith
Spruce Up Warrenton

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 13, 2023, at 8:03 PM, Sally Gilcrease <sally.gilcrease at cascadehassonsir.com<mailto:sally.gilcrease at cascadehassonsir.com>> wrote:

Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone
Sally Gilcrease
Cascade Hasson SI Realty
503-307-0807 mobile

On Apr 13, 2023, at 6:00 PM, David Milliron <dmilliron at northbendcity.org<mailto:dmilliron at northbendcity.org>> wrote:

Here is a great article to explain the state and federal case law, for those not aware

https://bit.ly/3MDLtZX

And, feel free to follow North Bend’s efforts

https://www.northbendoregon.us/homelessnessresources

---

David A. Milliron, Credentialed City Manager (ICMA-CM)

City of North Bend, 835 California Ave, OR 97459-0014

541-756-8536 | dmilliron at northbendcity.org<mailto:dmilliron at northbendcity.org>

Confidentiality Notice:   This email message and all attachments transmitted with it may contain legally privileged and confidential information intended solely for the use of the addressee.  If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us immediately by replying to this message or telephoning us, and do not review, disclose, copy or distribute it.  Thank you.

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From: OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at omls.oregon.gov<mailto:oms_managers-bounces at omls.oregon.gov>> On Behalf Of Sally Gilcrease
Sent: Thursday, April 13, 2023 4:55 PM
To: Oregon Main Street Network Members <oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov<mailto:oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov>>
Subject: Re: [OMS_MANAGERS] Registration Available for Rural Forward Event on 5/19

Hello,

I have a question for the group regarding Oregon HB3115 (I believe that is correct) which requires that every city provide a public area for sleeping for the homeless, which must include lavatory facilities (porta potty and handwashing at a minimum). If cities do not comply, they will be denied state funds. This requirement came to our attention at our most recent meeting at City  Hall.

We are a small rural town of about 1100 people, and we do rely on state funding for numerous budgetary needs. We have TWO public places, only TWO, that could be used for homeless camping!   One is a small park on Main Street, in full view of commercial buildings and residences. And we are trying desperately to upgrade Main Street! The other is a large public park which is adjacent to Cow Creek and our city's water supply, as well as play ground, walking path, and city maintenance buildings.  Our city manager has informed us that the city MUST provide camping areas on one of those two areas, as the city owns no other properties in our city limits that are vacant or could provide enough space for campers.  Granted, there would be restrictions on the time campers can stay on site, but we all know how that goes. The city will be responsible for clean up daily as well.

Our small town has worked diligently at keeping the problem of homeless folks from "taking over" our streets, under bridges, parks, etc. Now it seems we must make room for them on Main Street.  What is everyone else doing? Small town Oregon, anywhere, what is being discussed in your little cities?
Sincerely,
Sally Gilcrease

Riddle Downtown Development

503-307-0807

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