Central Oregon is among the fastest growing regions of Oregon, but it still lacks the infrastructure to support people who fall into conditions of crisis. Unfortunately, all signs point to a long-term need for services supporting those who fall into homelessness, especially those who are facing situational poverty.
In the Central Oregon region, several factors contribute to economic disparity. Compared with the rest of the state, wages in Central Oregon are 19% below state average in Central Oregon (Business Oregon); meanwhile, rental vacancy rates are under 1% (Business Oregon). With median household incomes ranging from $38,000 – $46,000 per year in our service area, and with 18% – 21% experiencing poverty, the population of Central Oregon is particularly vulnerable to situational homelessness without a sufficient infrastructure in place to support stabilization.
Bethlehem Inn has taken the necessary steps to allow us to continue addressing this need.