Those interested in learning about the work happening to address homelessness in Klamath County and share their thoughts about homelessness are invited to attend a Town Hall meeting October 23.
The Klamath Basin Faith-based Council, a workgroup associated with the Healthy Klamath Network, is sponsoring the event to learn more about what is being done for the homeless and to learn about the needs of agencies serving homeless people.
Speakers have been invited from the Gospel Mission, Klamath Lake Community Action Services, Thrive Church’s Warming Shelter and the Veterans Administration. After short presentations, the floor will be open for comments and to learn more about other resources.
Meeting outcomes are intended to be a more complete picture of the homeless situation in the Klamath area, a list of resources and a group of individuals willing to help address the issue.
The Town Hall will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 23, at OIT’s College Union Auditorium. Agencies that would like to have a resource table are asked to confirm space by calling 541.851.3737 or emailing vlane@klamathcounty.org. As a co-facilitator of the Healthy Klamath Network, Valeree Lane also facilitates the Faith-based Council.
The Faith-based Council has noted the following about homelessness in the Klamath Basin:
- Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services opened 20 pallet shelters and provides intensive case management to help residents find stable housing.
- Project Homefront converted a motel into 29 sober-supportive transitional housing units, offering affordable rent, laundry, and on-site treatment services for individuals transitioning from incarceration.
- Klamath & Lake Community Action Services (KLCAS) provides energy assistance, family support, and helps with move-in costs and rent, as funding is available.
- Local school districts collaborate with Integral Youth Services to provide resources, such as transportation and school supplies, and helps homeless youth and their families navigate educational and housing barriers.
- Thrive Church provides the local Warming Shelter during the winter months.
- The Community Livability Team is a City of Klamath Falls effort that works to connect people experiencing homelessness with resources and addresses challenges through community partnerships.
- In Klamath Falls, meals are served on Mondays at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Tuesdays at United First Methodist.
- True Charity is a model being used locally and Bethany Holmes (bethany.h@hwam.org) is the community ambassador. True Charity exists to lead a nationwide movement of churches and nonprofits committed to effective, dignity-preserving solutions to poverty. Its growing coalition helps organizations move beyond handouts that trap people in dependency to empower people, instead, toward self-sufficiency, creating lasting change in their lives and communities.
- Funding is winding down for OHSU’s Street Nursing program. The program provides direct services to homeless individuals and helps connect them with community resources.
- Local churches report having homeless visitors whenever doors are open, especially as the temperatures drop.
- Throughout the community there have been complaints about people trespassing and using drugs on private property.
