In support of code changes to get a handle on homelessness
Bend Planning Commission and City Council
Houselessness is a growing problem in Bend. We are writing to support code changes that will let the city start to get a handle on the problem, rather than simply reacting here and there.
It won't be quick or easy. According to a recent report from the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, Oregon has been building fewer homes than needed for decades, with the predictable result that many people have no home at all.
From https://oregoneconomicanalysis.com/2022/02/09/oregon-economic-and-revenue-forecast-march-2022/
It's a problem years in the making, and won't be solved overnight. Research shows that homelessness correlates with housing prices: https://homelessnesshousingproblem.com/ .
In terms of public health and safety, planned, managed camps and other accommodations are clearly superior to the status quo. Having an organization or individual that is responsible for an area will provide for a better experience for all involved.
We realize this is a difficult, multifaceted issue but the flexibility these code changes provide are an important step in being able to get a handle on a problem that has been brewing for years.
Thank you,
Bend YIMBY, a chapter of YIMBY Action
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To:
Bend Planning Commission and City Council
From:
[Your Name]
Madam Mayor, Councilors,
We are writing to lend our strong support to the proposed code changes to let our city take action to start turning around the problem of homelessness.
It won't be quick or easy. According to a recent report from the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, Oregon has been building fewer homes than needed for decades, with the predictable result that many people have no home at all.
It's a problem years in the making, and won't be solved overnight. Research shows that homelessness correlates with housing prices: https://homelessnesshousingproblem.com/ .
We need the additional flexibility that these code changes provide to transition towards a situation where the city is able to manage and plan, rather than react to impromptu camps with no management or supervision at all.
In terms of public health and safety, planned, managed camps and other accommodations are clearly superior to the status quo. Having an organization or individual that is responsible for an area will provide for a better experience for all involved.
We realize this is a difficult, multifaceted issue but the flexibility these code changes provide are an important step in being able to get a handle on a problem that has been brewing for years.
Thank you,
Bend YIMBY, a chapter of YIMBY Action