Point in Time homeless count taking place this week in Prineville
Annual count will differ from past years in Prineville because of COVID-19 limitations
The Homeless Leadership Coalition, Central Oregon s Continuum of Care, kicked off the annual Point In-Time Count in Central Oregon this past Wednesday.
The event is a count of individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are in transitional housing in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
The count is a part of a state and national effort to identify the number of individuals who are experiencing homelessness and greatly impacts the available funding for homeless services to the region.
Homeless solution debate heats up
Regional push for housing prompts more options, but some are questioning proposed new city policy.
The Portland City Council is expected to vote in February to clear the way for more homeless shelters, sanctioned outdoor campsites and alternative group living arrangements to be established in almost every part of Portland.
The appointed citizen Planning and Sustainability Commission already has held a briefing, two public hearings and a work session on the Shelter to Housing Continuum Project. It is intended to rewrite existing city regulations to allow such housing to be built more quickly, including where it is currently prohibited, such as in commercial zones.