11-16-16 Council Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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requires rest stops have a site manager. Eugene City Council has approved six rest stop locations since the ordinance was initially adopted in September 2013. As of September 2015, two Eugene nonprofit organizations are managing four rest stops. Community Supported Shelters (http://communitysupportedshelters.org/) manages three rest stops and Nightingale Health Sanctuary http://respectexistence.org/) manages one rest stop. ( Key Findings To gather information and understand the rest stop policy and programmatic context, CPW facilitated two meetings with city staff and rest stop and OVE volunteers. We collected 178 surveys from service providers, rest stop residents, and rest stop neighbors: 13 OVE residents 37 rest stop residents (at four rest stops) 99 neighboring residences and businesses (properties within 500’ of a rest stop) 28 representatives from service provider organizations Rest Stops Rest stops are designated areas within the Eugene city limits where up to 20 people are allowed to sleep in tents, trailers or Conestoga huts. They are intended to provide a temporary, safe, legal option for people experiencing homelessness. Community nonprofits provide site supervision, portable restrooms and trash collection. The organizations must keep a roster of individuals registered to stay at the site and ensure site rules are followed, such as no alcohol or drugs on site and no disorderly behavior. The sites are fenced to control access and promote safety. The Rest Stop pilot program has had more than 600 applicants and has served more than 210 individuals since its establishment. The program has seen nearly 100 residents transition to alternative housing options and has dismissed 35 residents for violations of the rules. Moreover, of the more than 210 residents served, 13 have been veterans. Police data has shown no considerable increase in reported activity due to the rest stops. The average length of stay is approximately six months. Following are key findings from our survey research. Nearly all of the residents heard about the rest stops through personal networks or someone staying at the camp. Rest stop residents reported that it was not difficult to apply to live at the rest stop. Residents reported that staying at the camp makes them feel safer, more confident, and more independent. Residents report that camp staff were helpful and site rules are effective. Page | ii Community Planning Workshop