11/07/13 - City Council Newsletter

Home Browse Search

Eugene Firefighters Help with Veterans’ Housing Project On Oct. 27, firefighters from Eugene Springfield Fire volunteered their time to help with the Veterans’ Housing Project (VHP). In coordination with City Manager Jon Ruiz and his wife Barb, who also volunteered at and helped organize this event, off-duty firefighters from IAFF Local 851 and the crew from Station 2 demolished several walls in the house and prepped the curb for a driveway. In addition, the on- duty crews conducted a training exercise on electrical wiring found in older homes. This is the second time that Eugene firefighters have lent a hand to this cause. This is the fifth house in the Veterans’ Housing Project, and it is well on its way to completion for the next veteran and his/her family to move in early next year. The effort is being led by Mica McOmber of Mica McOmber Construction. This two-bedroom/one-bath house was obtained from Lane County, but needed to be relocated to a new lot. After a harrowing journey through the Lane County fairgrounds - thank you Ram Jack – the house was set on a new foundation, thanks to L&L Foundation, Eugene Sand & Gravel and Gemini Concrete Pumping. The project is being funded in part due to a generous donation from the Home Depot Foundation and the Donna Sheppard Foundation, as well as a loan through the Renter Rehab program with the City of Eugene. Local businesses and community volunteers are welcome to join in the remodel efforts with their sweat labor or provide donations of building supplies. To become a part of this project, please contact Kathy Wilson at 541-743-7147 or kwilson@svdp.us. The VHP is a collaborative effort of private, public and non-profit organizations including the City of Eugene, Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), St. Vincent de Paul and the Home Builders Association of Lane County to provide affordable housing as military men and women transition back into the community after deployment. Maintaining financial and social self-sufficiency upon arriving in the community is out of reach for some veterans. Providing affordable housing for up to two years can ease the burden of transition, and allow time to financially and socially stabilize their families. For more information, please visit www.veteranshousingproject.org. The Grace of Silence: Facilitated Book Discussions The City of Eugene’s Equity and Human Rights Office offers an opportunity for City staff, elected officials, and board, committee and commission members to engage in thought and discussion on race and identity while discussing NPR special correspondent Michele Norris’ recently published book “The Grace of Silence.” Tina Gutierez-Schmich, the mediation/dispute resolution specialist for the Center on Diversity and Community at the University of Oregon, will facilitate two, stand-alone discussions. One will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the other at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25. Michelle Norris will also be in Eugene to give a public lecture about race and identity on Nov. 13 at the University of Oregon. Click here for information on this community activity. Space is limited so early registration is recommended. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 15. For more information, or to register to participate in a facilitated book discussion, contact Equity and Human Rights Analyst Lindsey Foltz at Lindsey.m.foltz@ci.eugene.or.us or 541-682-5619. Eugene Seeks New Members for Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee The City of Eugene seeks residents who are interested in serving on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). BPAC advises City staff, community organizations, and partner agencies on implementation of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Plan. The panel also represents community and constituent interests in transportation planning decisions, and provides feedback to staff on projects relating to walking and bicycling. Applicants must reside within Eugene’s urban growth boundary. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 November 7, 2013