Bend and Deschutes County Approve Strategy to Address Dispersed Camping at Juniper Ridge

Juniper Ridge, Deschutes County, OregonPhoto byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024

BEND, OR – In a joint meeting on Thursday, Sept. 4, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Bend City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness and dispersed camping at Juniper Ridge. The plan includes establishing a Temporary Safe Stay Area and aims to address public health and safety concerns for both housed and unhoused residents in the area.

The strategy focuses on relocating individuals currently camping in Juniper Ridge to the new Temporary Safe Stay Area, which will span 170 acres east of Highway 97. The area will feature a mix of County and City-owned land and is designed to mitigate environmental impacts, such as wildfire risk and trash accumulation, while providing increased security. Full closure of the existing City and County lands outside of the designated area is scheduled for May 31, 2025.

County Commissioner Chair Patti Adair described the agreement as a crucial step in addressing homelessness in the community. "This joint agency agreement is a start to addressing a very difficult issue in our community," she said. Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler added, "It’s imperative that our County Commission and City Council work together to create more safety in Juniper Ridge while providing services and pathways out of homelessness for those living on public lands."

The plan allows for essential services, such as drinking water stations, trash receptacles, and portable toilets, while also expanding security in the area. Housing service providers will offer intensive case management to reduce housing barriers and help individuals transition to permanent housing, with follow-up monitoring for six months.

City and County officials are also focused on wildfire risk reduction strategies, legal and land use considerations, and ongoing collaboration with the Coordinated Houselessness Response Office (CHRO) to allocate resources for case management and operations.

Other key topics discussed at the joint meeting included future growth plans for the City and County, strategies for managed camps, and updates on waste management.

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024

The Republic News

If you have a news story or video you'd like shared, email kristy.tallman@therepublicheadlines.com.

#BendOregon #DeschutesCounty #JuniperRidge #HomelessnessSolutions #DispersedCamping #PublicSafety #CityCouncil #SafeStayArea #KristyTallman