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 withdrew.
2. Konnor Kirkpatrick, owner of 2 Guys 1 Truck and Thrift Right Here.
3. Pathways to Stability, a local coalition including U-Turn for Christ.
4. Tender Technologies, a little-known Texas-based organization.

• Elk Island Trading Group withdrew its proposal. Elk Island Trading Group plans to continue their ongoing work on their managed homeless sites located in Roseburg.

• Konnor Kirkpatrick’s proposal involves purchasing industrial land on Spalding Avenue to employ homeless residents in recycling, reuse, and dome-home construction using salvaged materials. The project would promote self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility, with partnerships for social services and addiction recovery.

• Pathways to Stability previously sought $3 million in the city’s first attempt but reapplied under the new $1.2 million cap. The group is seeking county-owned land near Riverwood Apartments and Riverside Elementary School to develop a site offering job training, addiction recovery, and life-skills programs. County Commissioners expressed interest but postponed formal action until the request can be properly noticed on their agenda.

• Tender Technologies also applied but remains largely unverified, with contact information leading to a Texas debt-relief service. The group had also submitted a low-scoring proposal during the city’s first round.

• Purpose Of Grant: The city’s goal is to replace the unmanaged homeless camps near City Hall and the police station, where drug use, disorderly conduct, and sanitation issues have been ongoing challenges.