Deschutes County Commissioners and Bend City Council agree to extend Temporary Safe Stay Area operations

From:
Jacob Larsen, Community Relations Manager
541-647-0696,
jlarsen@bendoregon.gov
Kim Katchur, Public Information Officer
541-322-7441,
kimberly.katchur@deschutes.org

Deschutes County and the City of Bend held a joint meeting on Tuesday, Jan.
20, to discuss issues and receive updates on multiple topics, including next
steps for the Temporary Safe Stay Area (TSSA).
The Temporary Safe Stay Area, established in 2025 for dispersed campers,
includes County- and City-owned land near Juniper Ridge. Through a joint
agreement, Deschutes County and the City of Bend manage the area to reduce
health and safety concerns, mitigate wildfire risks, and provide hygiene
services for those experiencing homelessness.
The County and City are moving forward with a coordinated plan to extend
operations at the Temporary Safe Stay Area and take meaningful steps to help
individuals transition out of homelessness. The deadline for the full closure
of the Temporary Safe Stay Area has been extended from Dec. 31, 2026, to June
30, 2027. However, the planned closure of northern and eastern portions of the
Temporary Safe Stay Area (sections 1 and 2, see map below) will still proceed
in June 2026.
A majority of each body expressed support for the six-month extension, and
each will consider an updated framework for formal approval at upcoming public
meetings.
“Delaying the closure by six months gives us time to develop more pathways out
of homelessness for people and reduces the likelihood that TSSA campers will
disperse to new unsanctioned encampments in our community,” said Deschutes
County Commissioner Chair Phil Chang.
“We’re focused on helping people find solutions to move into more permanent
housing,” said City of Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. “With a little more time and
clearer guidelines, we are ensuring the Temporary Safe Stay Area can be safely
managed while allowing continued collaboration with the service providers who
are steadily moving people out of homelessness and into housing.”
As part of the updated Temporary Safe Stay Area framework, both County and
City staff will collaborate to develop additional guidance to ensure the site
can be safely and effectively managed while supporting people as they work
towards more stable housing. The updated guidance will focus on:
* Managing the current population without expanding it.
Following the initial closure of sections 1 and 2, which will reduce the
overall size of the Temporary Safe Stay Area, camping and services will be
limited to those already living there, discouraging additional occupants. The
focus will be on stabilizing and assisting those already on-site.
* Providing structure to support long-term solutions.
Continue to provide financial support to service providers to ensure continued
participation and cooperation. This effort helps those living in the Temporary
Safe Stay Area access resources and pathways out of homelessness. Existing
rules and regulations will continue to be enforced, including expectations for
conduct.
During the joint meeting, both bodies directed staff to move forward with the
phased closure and reduction of the Temporary Safe Stay Area as outlined in
the 2024 joint resolutions. By June 2026, the designated land will be reduced
from about 170 acres to approximately 75 acres, with full closure set for on
or before June 30, 2027.
Formal notices of property closure and the need to vacate will begin by March
2026 for individuals living in sections 1 and 2 of the Temporary Safe Stay
Area. Those receiving notices will have the opportunity to relocate to the
remaining 75 acres (sections 3 and 4, see map below) and will be offered
services to find alternative housing, if available.
This phased approach aims to create a more manageable site and support
meaningful engagement with residents for the remaining term of the Temporary
Safe Stay Area.
Deschutes County will determine how to fund its portion of the updated plan.
The City of Bend is expected to consider using one-time proceeds from recent
land sales to help fund its share. This will be discussed at an upcoming City
Council work session.
Both the City of Bend and Deschutes County must take formal votes to approve
the updated framework and its funding.