HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem A: Opportunity Eugene Task Force Update
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: Opportunity Eugene Task Force Update
Meeting Date: July 18, 2012 Agenda Item Number: A
Department: Planning & Development Staff Contact: Michael Wisth
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541- 682-5540
ISSUE STATEMENT
On April 11, 2012, staff presented the City Council with the recommendations of the Opportunity
Eugene Task Force (see attachment). During this work session, staff will present an update on efforts to
help the homelessness, present a draft policy framework to use when evaluating proposals, and discuss
the recommendations of the Opportunity Eugene Task Force.
BACKGROUND
On April 11, 2012, City staff presented recommendations from the Opportunity Eugene Task Force for
addressing issues related to homelessness throughout the community. In the time since the last work
session, a number of developments related to the recommendations have taken place. A copy of the
original Opportunity Eugene Task Force Report and an update related to recent actions taken to address
homelessness in Eugene is included in this packet.
The task force was established on December 14, 2011, in response to the Occupy Eugene encampment
and issues surrounding homelessness. This group was tasked to develop recommendations to present to
the council within 90 days for addressing the needs and impacts for the unhoused in the community.
Members of the task force were appointed by the Mayor and included City Councilors, community
members, representatives from Occupy Eugene, non-profit human services agencies, neighborhood
associations, businesses, the health care community and the Human Rights Commission. All task force
meetings and committee meetings were open to the public.
Though consensus was difficult to reach on many specific actions, the task force did reach consensus on
six (6) recommendations for City Council consideration. The recommendations are as follows:
1.Identify and establish potential sites (for a safe and secure place to be)
2.Create and support day use community centers
3.Improve traditional and non-traditional health care access
4.Continue and expand existing services to the homeless
5.Improve laws and ordinances that criminalize and block homeless individuals
6.Create a commission to continue to explore homelessness solutions
More detail regarding the process and recommendations are available in Attachment A, the Opportunity
Eugene Task Force on Homelessness Solutions Report and Recommendations.
S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M120718\S120718A.doc
The issues raised by the Opportunity Eugene Task Force and homelessness in general require a
continued effort on behalf of the council and City staff. To assist the council in reviewing potential
actions, best outcomes and setting policy related to efforts to address homelessness in Eugene, staff has
developed a draft policy framework for deliberating the potential outcomes of homelessness efforts.
This framework reflects past collaborative efforts by the City on homelessness issues, such as the Blue
Ribbon Committee on Homelessness, the Community Analysis and Recommendations on Reducing
Homelessness and the Opportunity Eugene Task Force.
Based on this past body of work, the council should discuss during the work session whether the
following reflects the policy framework it wants to use when evaluating proposals (in addition to
evaluating any proposal against budget and other resource impacts.)
1)Transition people away from homelessness.
Actions should work to assist individuals and families in permanently breaking the cycle of
homelessness.
2)Create and promote health, safety and security throughout the community.
Actions should promote the principles of health, safety and security both for the unhoused and
housed residents of the City of Eugene.
3)Utilize partnerships and share resources with stakeholders.
Actions should involve the development of partnerships and the sharing of responsibilities and
resources with other agencies and stakeholders.
4)Promote neighborhood livability.
Actions should be built on efforts to garner community-support, be accessible to its beneficiaries
and balance issues related to appropriate siting
5)Promote sustainability.
Actions should promote the City’s triple bottom line framework and promote environmental,
equity and fiscal sustainability.
6)Have Measurable Outcomes.
Actions should define goals and be able to report on progress made toward reaching those goals.
7)Be Scalable.
New projects should begin as pilots in their initial phases, with the possibility for growth as
success and demand is demonstrated.
In addition to weaving together the past community and council work on homelessness, a policy
framework will assist the council in current and future discussion related to homelessness and social
services.
S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M120718\S120718A.doc
COUNCIL OPTIONS
1.Direct the City Manager to schedule a work session to a) finalize the policy framework, and b)
evaluate the recommendations of the Opportunity Eugene Task Force based on this framework.
2.Direct the City Manager to solicit options to implement recommendation 1 (safe and secure site) of
the Task Force, and evaluate them consistent with the policy framework as revised by the council
discussion, and bring this work to a work session.
3.Direct the City Manager to pursue implementation of any or all of the Opportunity Eugene Task
Force recommendations without an additional policy framework.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends the council select Option 1.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to direct the City Manager to schedule a work session after council break to a) finalize the policy
framework, and b) evaluate the recommendations of the Opportunity Eugene Task Force based on this
framework.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Opportunity Eugene Task Force Report
B. Update of recent actions taken to address homelessness
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Michael Wisth
Telephone: 541-682-5540
Staff E-Mail: michael.c.wisth@ci.eugene.or.us
S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M120718\S120718A.doc
Opportunity Eugene:
A Community Task Force on Homelessness
Final Report and Recommendations
INTRODUCTION
Occupy Eugene catalyzed public concern regarding homelessness. Building on this momentum,
on December 14, 2011, the City Council formed the Opportunity Eugene Community Task Force
on Homeless Solutions to research this issue and develop recommendations th
The 58 members of the Task Force appointed by the Mayor included the Mayor, City Councilors,
members of the Eugene Police Department, community members, representatives from Occupy
Eugene, members of non-profit human services agencies, neighborhood associations,
businesspeople, the health care community, the Human Rights Commission and a significant
number of un-housed persons.
The Task Force met January 4th, January 24th, February 7th, February 23rd, March 6th, and
March 30th of 2012. In addition, there were many subcommittee meetings. All meetings were
open to the public. Many other interested community members attended meetings and spoke
during the Public Forums held at each meeting, adding their experiences and insights to the
process. The Task Force meetings were videotaped by volunteers.
Recommendations:
The Task Force recommends the following actions:
1.Identify & Establish Potential Sites
Direct city staff to work with community members to identify potential sites in order to
establish a safe and secure place to be, opened by October 1, 2012, independently
financed with oversight by a not-for-profit organization or agency.
There was no consensus among group members regarding a long term plan or vision for
the site(s). However, one vision that emerged by some members of the Task Force is as
follows:
Certain Homeless Task Force members stressed that in addition to shelter, food and medical
care, most homeless individuals had an intense need and the desire to have dignity through
being self-sufficient. This matched nicely with the current lack of funding. They want to
contribute to constructing these shelters. Materials needed. Labor and guidance are
plentiful.
The shelter discussion also included establishing a community with adequate land on which
food could be grown, artisan work accomplished and, as above, where residents help with
the construction and maintenance of their homes. One of the most important concepts to
arise from the Occupy camp, echoing what has been found in other successful homeless
by
community members before they enter the community.
The Opportunity Eugene community shelter will serve as a national model of a self-
sustaining, self-managed, low-capitalization, eco-friendly community. A 501c3 agency will
have oversight of the community. Community members and the 501c3 agency will work
together to produce food and other needs and to seek needed resources from the
to provide land; land use, zoning and code variances that allow the community to operate
cost-effectively under reasonable safety standards; and offer the same level of safety and
security services provided to other Eugene neighborhoods. The first year the city would
contribute a fixed amount for start-up costs and operation expenses. The community will be
self-sustaining in future years.
2.Create and Support Day Use Community Centers
The Task Force has identified a critical need for more day centers and for the increased
capacity of existing day centers. It was voiced repeatedly at Opportunity Eugene
homeless. Eugene/Springfield/Lane County has five access centers in Lane County for
people who
Eugene on Hwy. 99, First Place Family Center near Amazon Park, the Eugene Mission near
nd
2
downtown for homeless youth). These programs offer showers, restrooms, storage
facilities, internet & computer access, and other services in a community atmosphere.
Additional day center capacity, through additional centers and/or working to increase the
capacity of existing centers, will reduce downtown problems and create opportunities for
those who are currently marginalized. Additional day center capacity will provide
homeless and to work toward self-sufficiency and self-respect. The Task Force has
identified a critical need for more day centers and for extended hours. It was voiced
legal and safe for people who are homeless.
Improve Traditional and Non-Traditional Health Care Access
The combination of mental health issues, substance abuse, chronic homelessness, and
physical illness affect a disproportionate number of homeless individuals. These factors
all contribute to individual suffering and result potentially costly interventions and
treatments. Individuals in this category will often become increasingly high impact users
of Emergency Rooms, local social service providers, public safety services, and strain the
already weakened social safety net. When left unmanaged the cost of caring for these
individuals increases dramatically, along with an increase in pain and suffering for the
individual. Addressing the crucial area of need is a first step in assisting those that are
homeless. Regaining stability in their lives will result in the removal of significant barriers
that keep individuals from finding and maintaining housing.
4.Continue and Expand Existing Services to the Homeless
Understanding there is a strong social service network within the City of Eugene and
Lane County, the task force is careful to suggest that any new initiatives do not result in
diverting funding and support from existing homeless and low-income service providers.
Rather, new initiatives should work to complement or augment existing services for the
low-income and homeless residents of our community. A robust social service sector
capable of better meeting the needs of its clientele requires both innovation and
increased support of current, proven programs.
5.Improve Laws and Ordinances that Criminalize and Block Homeless Individuals
An on-going challenge faced by people with no permanent housing is the fact that many
city ordinances, codes and policies have the unintended effect of criminalizing life-
sustaining activities. In addition they may serve to make it more difficult for people to
the same residence, and prohibitions on property owners allowing individuals to camp
on their property.
The Opportunity Eugene Task force proposes that the city council empower the city
manager to conduct a review of city policies, ordinances, zoning requirements and codes,
and propose revisions to those that have the consequence of criminalizing life-sustaining
activities as well as those that create undue barriers to accessing permanent housing or
shelter. This review should be conducted across city departments particularly police,
parks and open space, community development, and planning. In addition to city staff it
should involve community members and stakeholders. It is understood that many of
these ordinances and codes were created to serve a legitimate public purpose. The intent
of this review is not to undermine those positive effects but to recognize and mitigate
the negative effects on those unable to secure permanent housing.
6.Create a Commission to Continue to Explore Homelessness Solutions
Throughout the duration of the Opportunity Eugene Task Force, it has been
acknowledged that continued efforts are needed to ensure that efforts to relieve the
burdens of homelessness are continued beyond the ending of the task force.
To strengthen the voice of these recommendations and ensure continued innovation as
needed, it is important for an ongoing voice to champion the topic and keep it in the
forefront of policy issues. These efforts include the creation of a City of Eugene
Commission on Youth and Homelessness issues as well as maintaining and fostering
address the issues related to homelessness.
There is also a continuing need for community involvement and education to build
understanding of the condition of the unhoused in our community. Unhoused residents
face not only the material challenges of homelessness, but also prevailing attitudes of
rejection, resentment, lack of understanding, and a tendency to ignore the homeless as
the unhoused face on a daily basis and make it more difficult for them to live with
dignity.
In addition to efforts being made by nonprofit service providers, there is a need for
broader efforts to build bridges between the housed and unhoused in the community
bridges of understanding, compassion and support to heal and unify the community
across divisions. To build these bridges, it will be important to identify what sectors of the
community to reach out to, what messages will work in our community, and the best
ways of delivering those messages.
Prioritized Implementation Items
The Task Force identified key projects and actions to address the prioritized needs and to
implement the recommendations of the task force. These actions are categorized on a time
continuum dependent on the level of planning effort required for implementation: immediate,
intermediate, and long term. These categories are not reflective of the level of urgency but
rather the level of planning needed to bring these actions to full fruition.
The top priorities identified by the Task Force are the need to address the critical and basic need
for various levels of housing options, and for day use resources including access to restrooms,
showers and laundry facilities. In addition, the task force indicated strong support for a
comprehensive review of the laws and ordinances that impact the homeless population and a
need to task a commission with long term sustained attention and focus on addressing the
needs of the unhoused in the community. This body may also serve as a venue for
implementation of projects and recommendations brought forth from this task force.
The task force was aware of the limitations of resources presented by the current budget climate
in the state. For this reason, the task force is recommending efforts that would: 1) require limited
resources to implement 2) attract new resources or generate their own revenue and 3) maximize
use of existing services and resources.
Immediate
1. Approve the zoning change to enable expansion of the Eugene Mission from occupancy of
400 to 643.
2. Direct city staff to identify potential sites for a safe and secure place to be, independently
financed and managed by a not-for-profit organization or agency, with the ability to control
access to the site
3. Build and manage lockers at various locations near the major unofficial camping sites around
Eugene. Consider working with faith groups to do this.
Open bathrooms outside the Exclusion Zone and mark those in the Zone.
Obtain day center building and determine renovation needs; identify funding, materials,
volunteer and other resources; identify oversight agency; oversight agency
and intended participants begin to develop program strategies and space utilization plan,
council temporarily waives such zoning, code and land use policies as necessary.
Create a commission on Homelessness that would be tasked with addressing issues of
homelessness. This could be a City commission or metro area collaboration. The City or metro
area partnership would authorize, empower and provide administrative support for this
commission.
between the housed and unhoused, perhaps
based on some of the examples established to counter racism. These conversations would be
centered around a meal. The City would provide support in the form of sponsorship, cost of
meals for the conversations, staff support to coordinate, and arrangement of pro bono
facilitation services or payment of the same. Possible partners could include FOOD for Lane
County and faith communities.
8. Develop cooperatives as a strategy for wealth generation & self development.
a. Can-bottle collection, materials recycling.
b. Cooperative Artisan space
c. Work cooperatives to seek other contract opportunities (eg. neighborhood clean-up)
-housing through establishment of a standing committee on of 5 -7
members either through an existing Commission (e.g., Human Rights) or via Council Direction
including representatives of providers and Occupy Eugene. The commission should:
a. Identify service gaps in full continuum of rapid rehousing services
b. Create a clear plan of how gaps will be addressed
10. The city manager will conduct a review of city policies, ordinances, zoning requirements and
codes to identify those which have the consequence of criminalizing those engaging in life
sustaining activities or create greater barriers to those seeking permanent housing or shelter.
This review will be conducted with input from all relevant departments and include community
members and stakeholders. Once identified, those city policies, ordinances, zoning requirements
and codes will be reviewed for potential revisions designed to mitigate the unintended effect
they have on people seeking to engage in life sustaining activities. Examples of Immediate
Changes (Quick Fixes) that could be addressed either by City Council Directly or by the City
a. Provide public bathrooms and/or portable restrooms that are available 24 hours/day in
the downtown core and surrounding neighborhoods; consider keeping public restrooms
in parks open 24 hours/day
b. Make the cleaning and maintenance of the required bathrooms part of community
service and/or jail inmate work programs
c. Change the number of legal car/tent camping spaces to reflect a range rather than an
absolute limit, e.g. three to six spaces per site, depending on the characteristics of the
site
d. Drop the requirement for permitting of street vendors, as there is no mechanisms that
actually allows such licensure to happen; alternately, re-instate a simple procedure for
street vendors to obtain licenses to conduct sidewalk vending (council might want to
conduct a study of other municipalities to determine whether sidewalk vending reduces
shopping in downtown stores and venues such as Saturday Market, or whether it in fact
creates a critical mass that brings more shoppers downtown)
e. Review the offenses that trigger exclusion in the downtown core, and drop the ones
; and/or direct the Chief of Police to direct his
officers to cease and desist requesting exclusion for violations for such things as writing
with side-walk chalk, resting on or against a planter or wall, sleeping on private property,
or illegal camping
f. Change zoning to allow the Mission to expand its capacity
that is being formed as an
outgrowth of the Occupy Eugene Medical Program.
12. City agrees to work with existing local healthcare organizations to identify ways to increase
access to healthcare, including providing organizational or staff support as needed.
13. Encourage peer-support mental health services specific to the needs of the homeless
14. The city of Eugene/the Task Force agrees that housing is a basic human right, as
recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United
progressively implemented as resources allow. Because basic adequate shelter for all
who need it is a core minimum requirement of this right, the City should constantly
strive to address this need. Other rights, such as freedom from cruel, inhuman, and
degrading treatment should be immediately implemented, including immediately
ceasing punishing homeless persons for basic life activities like sleeping or eating in
public, when they have nowhere else to go.
Intermediate
1. Continue talks with local agencies to establish a wet bed facility.
a. A pilot program should begin within 6 months.
b. Location of the program may be a temporary structure if no other suitable structure is
found and should not be in the vicinity of item # 2 below.
2. Make available one or more sites by Oct 1, 2012 for people who currently do not have
housing that will provide:
a. A safe and secure place to be, independently financed and managed by a not-for-
profit organization or agency, with the ability to control access to the site
b. An alternative, transitional community that demonstrates inexpensive, innovative
shelter and enables those who are currently homeless to find temporary shelter, food,
basic health care, community and an opportunity to become self-sufficient and to
participate in self-governance
c. Access to public transportation and services
d. Temporary exemption from applicable laws/ordinances for the first six months, to be
reviewed annually thereafter for renewal
3. Secure donated materials; volunteer/participant construction supervisor oversees renovations
to be done by participants; participants and volunteers develop income generating activities;
volunteer fundraisers seek funding; center policies and community agreements finalized; facility
done by participants/volunteers and open.
4. The City Manager and/or the City Council, with the assistance of the ci
-formed Commission on
Homelessness (and Youth) might hold public forums to further identify policies, codes,
ordinances, etc., that unduly affect marginalized populations and which create GHIDFWRstatus
crimes.
and expanded access to
healthcare by encouraging or incentivizing participation from healthcare and social service
providers and facilities, as well as community volunteers.
Long Term
1. Track the impact of the above efforts on the Egan Warming Center and the car camping
program. (This may be done by the new Homelessness Commission.)
2. Open additional coffee house/day centers around the city
3. The City undertake a broad public awareness campaign to develop understanding, empathy
and respect between those who are currently housed and those who are currently homeless,
and between those who are homeless and the Eugene Police Department. The campaign would
be planned by professionals, preferably on a pro bono basis. Through the Commission on
Homelessness, the City or metro area partnership would provide sponsorship through
endorsement, administrative support, securing of expert resources and financial support of
materials creation and distribution.
4. Working to modify existing laws to increase the amount of low-income housing. State law
-income housing to
be provided along
a. City Council forward recommendation to State Legislature to allow Inclusionary Zones
b. City Council to provide incentives to developers for building certain proportion of low-
income housing
Services and expanded healthcare access, including encouraging community support for
soliciting donations.
6. End involuntary homelessness
Appendix A.
Task Force Overview
The Occupy Eugene movement galvanized public attention and concern surrounding
homelessness in the community. Building on the momentum around this issue, Eugene City
Council formed the Opportunity Eugene Task Force on December 14, 2011, to develop
recommendations within 90 days to present to the Council for addressing the needs and
impacts for the unhoused in the community. This report provides background about the process
of the task force and their recommendations for the City Council to consider.
0HPEHUVKLS
Members of the Task Force were appointed by the Mayor and included City Councilors,
community members, representatives from Occupy Eugene, non-profit human services agencies,
neighborhood leaderships, business, the health care community, the religious community, local
school districts and the Human Rights Commission. All Task Force meetings and committee
meetings were open to the public.
'HVLUHG2XWFRPHV
The work of addressing the needs of the unhoused is immense yet vital to the health of a
community. The Task Force identified the following as the desired outcome of their work
together:
To continue to build community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration that
breaks down barriers in addressing the issues and needs of the unhoused
To raise awareness about the culture of homelessness and about the diverse
To identify actionable steps for immediate and long-term solutions to improve the lives
of the unhoused
To identify gaps and limitations to service, as well as barriers to access
7DVN)RUFH0HHWLQJ6WUXFWXUHDQG6FKHGXOH
th
Following an initial Kick off Meeting on January 4to announce and convene the Task Force, the
full group met a total of five times during the 90 day work session. Dates for all Task Force
meetings are included below. A Planning Committee made up of Task Force members met six
synthesizing. In addition, several subcommittees were formed to work on targeted subject
areas, including: Day use, wealth generation, shelter options, community engagement and
education, laws and ordinances, and health. Facilitation of all Task Force meetings and planning
committee meetings was provided by Oregon Consensus of Portland State University with
Meetings occurred at the following dates/ times:
th
Wednesday January 4, 12 2 p.m. Organizational
Planning committee developed
th
Tuesday January 24, 9-11 a.m. Organizational Meeting: Working agreements, education,
establishing priorities, and organizing to accomplish goals
th
Tuesday February 7, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Initial ideas and recommendations
rd,
Thursday February 23 8:30-11:30 a.m. Formulated ideas and recommendations
th
Tuesday March 6, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Review Recommendations and Report to the Board
th
Friday, March 26 9:30 12 p.m. Final Report to be submitted to the Council
Appendix B: THROUGH THE EYES OF THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS
The poor and often unhoused in Lane county struggle to survive; oppressed and criminalized by
an overwhelmed and often times unresponsive system. While there are many organizations,
individuals, and government entities working hard to highlight and deal with this problem,
Occupy Eugene brought into a sharper focus the gaps between those in need of help and
services available to them.
idges who are struggling to survive. Our economy is severely
depressed and this is affecting all of us. Foreclosures are at record levels and living wage jobs
are very hard to find. This gloomy economic picture may extend well into the future and impact
severely the younger generation.
challenges-having to fight for work, civil liberties and even a place to sleep. They picture
entering into a dying economy, drinking polluted water, eating genetically modified food,
inhaling chemicals sprayed into the air, and facing cleaning up all the problems the older
generation has left behind.
Thankfully, Opportunity Eugene and its dedicated 58 member team has worked diligently to
address the consequences of these issues and recognize that our current system and mindset as
a community seems to be lacking very clear and necessary elements, like: the need for
communities to support and feed each other regardless of economic standing; the need for
people to have a safe space to function in whatever manner they deem appropriate for
themselves and their families; and the radical notion that people are more important than
profits.
Our
answer is: the time is now for everybody to be treated with dignity, to have enough food to eat,
to have a good job and a safe place to sleep, to be respected as a human being without fear of
reprisal.
For families who walk the streets during the day and are afraid to sleep at night, and who are
focus the inevitable; eventual death due to exposure, assault, overdose, or prolonged illness.
These deaths tally up, and they are not nameless, faceless vagrants, but the deaths of our fellow
human beings.
In one night alone, roughly 2,410 people were counted homeless in Lane County, including 190
families with children. In that one night, 254 of our veterans, who served their country, in
dangerous conditions, are among those individuals on the streets, under bridges, in parks, at
food pantries, day access centers, churches, emergency shelters, and transitional housing.
This is a critical moment and lives are at stake. The weight of this situation and the responsibility
affect the change necessary to ensure our collective future.
Stand with us and use your power to make decisions that allow us to look our children in the
face and tell them we challenged the status quo and gave them the best future we possibly
could. We urge the Eugene City Council to adopt and act upon the following recommendations
and intended actions.
Planning & Development
Community Development
City of Eugene
th
99 W. 10 Avenue
M
Eugene, Oregon 97401
EMORANDUM
(541) 682-5443
(541) 682-5572 FAX
www.eugene-or.gov
Date: July 13, 2012
To: Mayor & City Council
From: Michael Wisth, Grants Manager AIC, Community Development
Subject: Update on Recent Activities Related to Homelessness in Eugene
Issue
Following the updates given during the Opportunity Eugene Task Force sessions, a number of
developments related to homelessness services have occurred. This memo is a brief update of known
current issues related to homelessness services in Eugene.
Sheltering and Day Services
On April 23, 2012, Council approved $189,716 in CDBG funding to St Vincent de Paul for expansion of
the Lindholm Service Station. Expansion will include increasing the seating capacity, installation of a
commercial kitchen and expansion of personal storage facilities.
Related to day use and necessary services, city staff have created partnerships to address the
relocation of restroom and hypodermic needle drop-box services following the closing of Monroe St
Station. Reality Kitchen has agreed to host and manage restroom facilities and the Community
Alliance for Lane County has agreed to host a hypodermic needle drop-box.
Staff have also been working with the Downtown Neighborhood Association to develop mapping and
signage for downtown public restrooms.
Health Care Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services
On April 23, 2012, Council approved $189,716 in CDBG funding for the rehabilitation of the building
that will host White Bird’s Chrysalis Outpatient Addiction Recovery Services. Rehabilitation will include
updating central system, conversion of the space to support counseling services and accessibility
improvements.
Further, White Bird and the Eugene Mission have partnered to bring medical and case management
services to the Eugene Mission twice a week. This partnership has been secured through funding
which will allow its operation for one year.
Page 1 of 2
The Buckley House Sobering Station has continued to experience financial uncertainty related to
operations for the current fiscal year. Buckley House been granted a 90 day contract extension while a
partnership with the health care community is developed to assist with funding this crucial service.
Human Rights
Following the Opportunity Eugene Task Force, the Human Rights Commission’s Homelessness
Workgroup has been pursuing ways to advance recommendations of the task force within the
parameters of the Human Rights Commission’s current work plan. This group is exploring the benefits
and concerns of creating a commission related to homelessness issues in Eugene.
In April, Eric Tars of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty visited Eugene to discuss
issues related to human rights, law and poverty. Mr. Tars offered the potential for partnership
between the City and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty to review local laws and
ordinances that may have an inordinate effect on the local homeless population. Mr. Tars also cited
the Opportunity Eugene Task Force as a best practice for incorporating City leadership, community
stakeholders and activists in a joint effort to address homelessness.
Page 2 of 2