Homeless Archives - A Voice Within

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

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

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

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

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

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