(Scroll Down for Maps)
In map view (below), it becomes very clear that city and county governments are repeatedly targeting the close-in east side of Bend for shelter & transitional housing + services. Of particular appeal to city and county governments is the traditionally under-served, marginalized, and lower-income neighborhood around the Bend Parks and Recreation Vince Genna Stadium facility (above). Here, there is a seemingly endless stream of proposed/planned/implemented facilities.
From Merriam-Webster segregation: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discriminatory means
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The siting of these facilities impacts neighborhood livability, property values, individuals and families living in the targeted neighborhood, as well as the socioeconomic make-up of schools serving the neighborhood. Just because the City and County can do all these things, it doesn't mean that they should. Decisions should be made with the health and future potential of the whole city in mind, not just with consideration to what's politically expedient for elected officials and most accommodating to more favored neighborhoods that are never targeted for these facilities by City of Bend and Deschutes County governments.
One might think City of Bend development code or zoning rules would do a better job of ensuring that all these facilities for the needy and houseless are fairly shared by all quadrants (NW, SW, NE, SE) of Bend. But, at least since 2021, current City Council has been actively changing the rules to make placement of shelters everywhere in the city easier. In addition, they have removed chances for the public to weigh in on these proposals by removing public input from the planning process. A handful of these changes are well-documented on the 2021 code changes page. When we look at the map, we see the changes have done nothing to disburse facilities into all quadrants of Bend.
When we look at the map, are we looking at Bend's version of Old Town in Portland, or the Tenderloin in San Francisco, or Skid Row in Los Angeles? It's hard not to think so. If your answer is no, please share your reasoning with us via the Get In Touch page. Please keep in mind, these cities, with far more resources than Bend or Deschutes County, have found that this concentration of services model has failed miserably. For many of us, the question as to why our local governments continue to pursue this same failed model of providing services is a head-scratcher.
If you want to share your thoughts or opinions with decision makers, see contact information provided below the map.
One might think City of Bend development code or zoning rules would do a better job of ensuring that all these facilities for the needy and houseless are fairly shared by all quadrants (NW, SW, NE, SE) of Bend. But, at least since 2021, current City Council has been actively changing the rules to make placement of shelters everywhere in the city easier. In addition, they have removed chances for the public to weigh in on these proposals by removing public input from the planning process. A handful of these changes are well-documented on the 2021 code changes page. When we look at the map, we see the changes have done nothing to disburse facilities into all quadrants of Bend.
When we look at the map, are we looking at Bend's version of Old Town in Portland, or the Tenderloin in San Francisco, or Skid Row in Los Angeles? It's hard not to think so. If your answer is no, please share your reasoning with us via the Get In Touch page. Please keep in mind, these cities, with far more resources than Bend or Deschutes County, have found that this concentration of services model has failed miserably. For many of us, the question as to why our local governments continue to pursue this same failed model of providing services is a head-scratcher.
If you want to share your thoughts or opinions with decision makers, see contact information provided below the map.
Map Of Existing Facilities
Notes On Map Of Existing Facilities : 1) We have not mapped any "safe rest parking" areas on the map. These are temporary by definition. If and when "safe rest parking" areas are converted to more permanently built/established facilities for the poor, their inclusion on the map will be re-considered. By built/established we mean things like indoor shelter spaces/rooms/housing, campsites or tiny homes, fences, dedicated kitchen & bathroom facilities, as well as formalization of the space, indoor or outdoor, for 24/7 long-term use by people in need of housing assistance. 2) For safety's sake, we are not mapping facilities that are dedicated to groups that may be fleeing abusive situations.
Map of Proposed Facilities and a Privately Owned Transitional Trailer Park (Below)
Notes on Map of Previously Proposed Facilities & Privately Owned Transitional Trailer Park. 1) We have mapped facilities that have been proposed by government, but not yet implemented. This is meant to shine a light on which neighborhoods are, and have been, targeted for facilities. 2) We have included a single privately owned property that provides transitional housing not available anywhere else (are there any other trailer (not mobile home) parks in Bend?). It's proximity to several government shelters is relevant in terms of assessing government-funded concentration of poverty.
Another proposed shelter/outdoor camp in NE Bend that was not implemented: Crusher Site No. 2 by the Suterra Chemical Plant. Please see map image below, upper right red circle.
For many in the neighborhoods where our city and county governments are concentrating these facilities, it appears that our local governments are mostly focused on the very poor and more favored neighborhoods. It's sad. Residents and business owners in these neighborhoods are hard-working and have every right to the same level of representation as all other represented groups. We're in the process of building out specifics regarding all the changes Bend City Council has been making to enable what is seen on the map. We shouldn't have to do this. As taxpayers, we expect that our governments will consider our best interests when they make policy decisions. But that's just not happening in the Larkspur and other east side neighborhoods of Bend. Check back here for updates in the coming days.
Are you a city, county, state or federal taxpayer? Money from all these levels of government has been used to create what we see on the map above.
Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns with City of Bend decision makers. Contact information can be found on their website here.
Are you a city, county, state or federal taxpayer? Money from all these levels of government has been used to create what we see on the map above.
Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns with City of Bend decision makers. Contact information can be found on their website here.