Oregon proposal would help local governments coordinate homeless response efforts

COOS BAY, Ore. - Half a million dollars annually could be sent to Coos County if proposed legislation responding to homelessness passes during next month's session of the Oregon Legislature.

The Homeless Response Pilot Project proposed by state Rep. Jason Kropf would create 8 regional collaboratives, each receiving a grant for $1 million dollars over two years.

The goal is to increase communication between municipalities on how to better deal with homelessness.

Coos County Commissioner Melissa Cribbins said it’s an extension of work already being done by individual cities.

“If one of the cities creates an ordinance or makes a change, it’s not like it makes people leave. They don’t leave the region; they just push the issue somewhere else. So really, we need that coordinated kind of response,” she said.

Cribbins said Coos County’s first steps would be to make a bigger homeless response taskforce along with a strategic plan during the first year.

“Unfortunately, it’s really difficult to create a one size fits all solution for homelessness; otherwise, it would’ve been done by now," she said. "The solutions come person by person.”

Cribbins said officials also want to expand programs already in place.

Each collaborative receiving one of the $1 million grants must find funding after year 2 to continue with the objectives they identify.

State Rep. Boomer Wright said he plans to sign on as a sponsor of the proposed bill.

Kropf said this legislation will allow cities to address zoning and planning issues while counties are able to provide health services.