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What's next for Josephine County without new homelessness funding? [1]

['Kevin Mcnamara', 'Http']

Date: 2024-06 

Hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated to address homelessness across the state of Oregon, but will not receive any of it.

That's due to the county commissioners' decision to not declare a state of emergency regarding homelessness.

Organizations can still apply for funding for housing and other services. As of now, no known plans are being developed for new housing or other services for the homeless in the county.

Rogue Retreat, a homeless services organization, has a small shelter in Josephine County known as . The organization said it had no plans for additional housing at this time.

Josephine County Commissioners did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday regarding their decision.

An analysis by the community non-profit UCAN in 2022 found that there are roughly 99 homeless people per 10,000 residents in Josephine County, a rate almost triple the statewide figure. Additionally, it found that one out of every 12 students experienced homelessness in the county.

The city of Grants Pass has long been aware of this issue but has struggled to secure a location for a full-time homeless shelter without and businesses.

Last September, a federal court upheld a ruling that found the city violated the constitutional rights of the homeless by citing them for sleeping in public spaces outside despite there being no suitable low-barrier shelter.

An extension of a deadline for organizations focused on youth homelessness to receive funding for services has also been announced by the state. A recent ODHS analysis estimated the number of children and teens experiencing homelessness in Oregon at over 8,000.

In a statement to News10, OHCS said in part, "We all have an interest in a community in which young people have access to stable and safe housing so that they can pursue their life’s goals and reach their full potential. A young person’s experience with homelessness does not always follow a linear path and is unique from the experience of adults."

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[1] Url: https://ktvl.com/news/local/whats-next-for-josephine-county-without-new-homelessness-funding-governor-kotek-state-emergency-oregon-legislation-budget-human-services-grants-pass

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