City of Bend awarded $2.97 million Project Turnkey grant for transitional housing

Earlier today, Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) announced that the City of Bend was awarded $2.97 million in state funding from Project Turnkey to purchase a motel property and remodel it for use as a managed transitional shelter. Located at 2346 NE Division St., the City officially closed on the property on July 7. The City will open the shelter after remodeling the 8,895 square-foot building and making improvements to the property. Once remodeled, Project Turnkey-Bend will provide 28 rooms for shelter use.

“We are thrilled to receive Project Turnkey funding through OCF,” said Bend City Councilor Megan Perkins. “Supporting our community members who are unhoused or at the risk of losing housing is a top priority for City Council. Project Turnkey funding will enable us to open a much-needed transitional shelter in Bend and provide safe housing for our neighbors who need it most.”

What Happens Next

The City will work with people currently residing at the property to ensure they maintain stable housing while the property is being remodeled. The City is working with NeighborImpact to provide case management for any of the current residents who would like support services.

Beginning on July 8, City staff will visit nearby businesses and residences to share information about Project Turnkey-Bend.

A community open house will be held in July and include an overview of Project Turnkey-Bend, what the City’s plans are for remodeling and improving the property, information on how the shelter will be managed, an overview of the services that may be offered at the shelter, and an opportunity to ask City staff questions about the new shelter. The date, time and location for the open house will be announced later this month and posted on the City’s Project Turnkey webpage.

“We’re excited about creating Bend’s first permanent transitional shelter and what it means for everyone who will call it home,” said Carolyn Eagan, Recovery Strategy & Impact Officer for the City of Bend. “This state investment in purchasing and improving the property helps fill a gap in our continuum of housing and provides individuals and families a safe, stable place to live.”

There will be a second open house later this summer to provide an update on the timeline for remodeling and opening the shelter. The second open house will be announced at a later date and posted on the City’s Project Turnkey webpage.

About Project Turnkey

Project Turnkey provides $65 million in State funding to cities, counties, housing authorities, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to acquire motels or hotels to use as non-congregate shelters for people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. In June, the State Legislature approved another $9.7 million in funds for additional applicants that were substantially through the due diligence process. Oregon Community Foundation administered the Fund through an application and selection process, with guidance from an Advisory Committee of state, local, and community stakeholders.  

Continuum of Housing

There are many types of housing needed in a community. Transitional shelters are one of many possible short-term solutions to help address homelessness in Bend. Mid- and long-term solutions, like generating revenue to support housing and other critical services, and acquiring housing facilities, are also necessary to support community members as they transition out of homelessness and into stable housing.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities

To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact Joshua Romero at jromero@bendoregon.gov or (541) 693-2185.