Homeless

Grants Pass City’s Mishandling of the $1.2 Million Homeless Grant Process
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Grants Pass City’s Mishandling of the $1.2 Million Homeless Grant Process

The City offered a $1.2 million competitive grant for a homeless project. This grant came with a detailed set of rules and procedures designed to ensure a fair and transparent process, one free from favoritism and bias. The grant was ultimately awarded to Pathway to Stability, but this decision has sparked backlash and serious concerns regarding how the process was handled. Among the issues that have raised red flags: Lack of a secured location:The grant…

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October 22, 2025
Grants Pass City Council Proceeds with Pathways to Stability Homeless Grant
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Grants Pass City Council Proceeds with Pathways to Stability Homeless Grant

The Grants Pass City Council voted today to award the Addressing Homelessness Grant to Pathways to Stability, moving one step closer to establishing a managed homeless encampment in the city. The designated location for the encampment will be at the end of N Street, located at 1798 S.E. N Street. Concerns were raise on location since it is located next to Riverside Elementary School. The property is owned by Josephine County, the Board of County…

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October 21, 2025
Grants Pass “Addressing Homelessness Grant” Process Raises Fairness Concerns
Homeless / Local News

Grants Pass “Addressing Homelessness Grant” Process Raises Fairness Concerns

After reviewing the current Homelessness Grant concerns from various sources and the related process, I’ve put together a brief summary highlighting several areas of concern: Summary: The City of Grants Pass reissued its Addressing Homelessness Grant on Sept. 5, 2025, including a rule (Section 9.F) prohibiting applicants from contacting the Mayor, City Council, or staff during the open application period. All communication was to go only through City Recorder Karen Frerk; any outside contact could…

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October 14, 2025
Grants Pass Renews Effort to Establish Managed Homeless Shelter Site
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Grants Pass Renews Effort to Establish Managed Homeless Shelter Site

After reading the Daily Courier article about new homeless shelter applications, here’s a quick summary I put together:• The City of Grants Pass is offering up to $1.2 million for an organization to create a managed homeless shelter for about 150 people. The funds can only be used for start-up costs such as land or building acquisition, not for ongoing operations.• Four applications were submitted by the deadline:1. Elk Island Trading Group (Roseburg) - later…

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October 12, 2025
Multi-Layer Crisis: Rural Josephine County Struggles with Crime, Drugs, and Policy Fallout
Business/Tourism / City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Multi-Layer Crisis: Rural Josephine County Struggles with Crime, Drugs, and Policy Fallout

Once known for its scenic charm and tight-knit community spirit, Grants Pass and the greater Josephine County area are now facing a growing storm of crime, drug addiction, and homelessness, a problem may be rooted in a tangle of state policies and local limitations. Let's take a closer look at this multi-layer problem. All these problems point to a “multi-layer” crisis, where statewide legislation and local resource shortages combine to create a revolving door for…

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August 14, 2025
Oregon’s Fall Under Democratic Supermajority
City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Oregon’s Fall Under Democratic Supermajority

Once celebrated for its natural beauty and pioneering spirit, Oregon now finds itself plagued by deep, worsening crises that no local lawmaker can fix as these are brought on by state enacted polices. With a Democratic supermajority ruling the legislature for years, many hoped bold, compassionate leadership would usher in a golden era for the people. But instead, Oregonians have watched with growing frustration as critical issues have spiraled out of control. The issues that…

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July 15, 2025
Support for Background Checks on Newly Approved Homeless Grant Applicants
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Support for Background Checks on Newly Approved Homeless Grant Applicants

In light of the newly approved $1.2 million “Addressing Homelessness Grant,” for Grants Pass Councilor Rob Pell’s recommendation to include criminal and financial background checks for key individuals in organizations applying for these funds is a must. These background checks are about accountability and transparency. Background Key points:Pell raised the issue during the council meeting; the City Attorney responded that background checks aren’t typically part of grant processes. Pell cited examples of Oregon cities, counties,…

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June 24, 2025
Bipartisan Concerns and Opposition Emerge Over the Homeless Shelter Proposal
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Bipartisan Concerns and Opposition Emerge Over the Homeless Shelter Proposal

Somewhat of a first in Josephine County, we’re witnessing a bipartisan objection to the current homeless shelter proposal, if I am reading the community correctly. I find this genuinely encouraging. It speaks volumes about the shared concerns from both sides of the political spectrum. Here’s my take based on what I’ve seen so far: Left Viewpoint: Surprisingly, the proposed shelter doesn’t seem to be gaining much traction among those on the left, even though it…

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June 20, 2025
The Community Deserves the Truth About the Homeless Lawsuit
City Politics / Homeless / Lawsuit / Local News

The Community Deserves the Truth About the Homeless Lawsuit

The community deserves to know the truth about how, why, and when the current homeless lawsuit began. This lawsuit originated under the previous administration, and regardless of what anyone claims, it would have happened no matter who was elected. There are documented records dating back to that administration, including correspondence from Disability Rights Oregon (DRO), as well as news coverage detailing the issue. When the prior administration established these camps, they were warned about potential…

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June 14, 2025
Vine Street Property Lease Secured Amidst Community Outcry: Questions Arise Over Funding and Public Input
City Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics

Vine Street Property Lease Secured Amidst Community Outcry: Questions Arise Over Funding and Public Input

At last night's Grants Pass City forum, if my understanding is correct, Jeromy from U-Turn for Christ announced they have secured the lease for the Vine Street property. This comes despite significant community concerns regarding the project's size, scope, and location. The 7.8-acre property is large enough to potentially house a "homeless industrial complex" for years, accommodating an estimated 500-600 people. The community has repeatedly expressed concerns about the proximity of schools and senior citizen…

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June 10, 2025