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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Eugene’s Rest Stop Program <br /> <br />What is a rest stop? <br />A rest stop is a designated area within city limits where up <br />to 20 people are allowed to sleep in tents or Conestoga <br />huts. Unless for security or health reasons, residents vacate <br />the site during the day and a limited number of visitors are <br />permitted during designated hours. Each site is approved <br />by the Eugene City Council. The City then enters into an <br />agreement with a nonprofit organization to operate and <br />manage the rest stop. There are currently four rest stops in <br />Eugene that provide temporary, safe, legal places for <br />people who are experiencing homelessness to sleep at <br />night. <br />How are sites selected? <br />The City tries its best to find workable rest stop sites that <br />minimize impacts to neighbors and sensitive areas. There <br />are many factors that are considered in site selection. They <br />include the site’s suitability for camping, proximity to <br />schools and residential areas, road access for trash and <br />restroom servicing, environmental sensitivity, and <br />proximity to public transportation. The City tries to <br />balance the needs and views of all community members <br />when selecting sites. <br />Who pays for the rest stops? <br />The costs of establishing and operating each rest stop are <br />paid for and managed by a nonprofit organization. The <br />Eugene City Council also approved $25,000 in one-time <br />funding for the program in its FY2017 budget. Land for <br />rest stops is currently provided by the City of Eugene and <br />the Eugene Mission. <br />Who operates the rest stops? <br />Two local organizations have been responsible for day-to- <br />day oversight of rest stops: <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Who stays at rest stops? <br />Individuals 18 or over who are experiencing <br />homelessness are eligible to apply for a space at a rest <br />stop. Applicants are screened to determine if they are <br />a good fit. Rest stops are intended to be a temporary <br />respite, and the managing nonprofit works to connect <br />residents with support and resources to help them <br />move toward a more sustainable housing solution. <br />How are rest stops kept healthy and safe? <br />Residents sign agreements with the rest stop <br />providers that they will abide by the rules and <br />program expectations. On-site managers provide <br />supervision. Best practices for water, handling and <br />preparing food, cooking and cleaning, heating, waste <br />management and illness prevention are followed. <br />There is zero tolerance for violent behavior or alcohol <br />or drug use onsite. Children must be supervised and <br />are prohibited from staying overnight. Portable <br />restrooms and trash collection are provided. Residents <br />are expected to keep the site tidy, refrain from <br />disruptive behavior and be good neighbors. The sites <br />are also fenced to control access and promote safety. <br />Why is the City allowing rest stops? <br />There is simply not enough affordable housing for the <br />number of people experiencing homelessness in our <br />area. The rest stop concept is not a permanent nor the <br />City’s only solution but a way to help alleviate the need <br />and reduce the impacts of unsanctioned camping. <br />Residents report that having a secure and safe place to <br />sleep is crucial as they work to access services and find <br />long-term, stable housing. <br /> <br />To view a video about the Rest Stop Program, visit eugene-or.gov/reststops. <br /> <br />Questions or concerns? Call 541-682-8442. For additional information, visit eugene-or.gov/reststops. January 23, 2019, Work Session - Item 2