Homeless Services Center

Jefferson County Faith Based Network Secure Care Shelter Service Center

Secure care shelter services:

Communities across Oregon are experiencing dramatic impacts of homelessness. In Central Oregon, the number of adults living on the streets, under bridges, or in cars increased by 25.8% from 2017-2018. In 2021, Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 3115 essentially stating that cities cannot enforce laws removing homeless citizens from any public spaces (parks, sidewalks, etc.) unless there is a shelter for them.

In 2018 when three people died on the streets from exposure, the City of Madras approached Jefferson County Faith Based Network (JCFNB) to operate a winter shelter. JCFNB had been operating a shelter at various locations in town for years. The building they were operating in at the time of contact was originally an office space, unsuitable for a permanent shelter. With grant access becoming available for shelter facilities in 2022, the City of Madras applied on behalf of JCFBN and was awarded funding for the purchase of property, design, and construction.

The Secure Care Shelter Service Center was officially opened on January 10, 2024, and now operates a year-round nightly shelter for those who are struggling with homelessness in Jefferson County. The shelter is open every night from 6 pm-7 am, serving dinner, breakfast, and lunch. The center plans on expanding its operations in the future to maximize its impact on the community.

Find their website here.

Find their location here.

COST TO BUILD: (Includes land purchase, design, engineering, construction, etc.)

Approximately $2,100,000

FUNDING:

Community Development Block Grant and CV Funds (Business Oregon) - $1,500,000
City Match ARPA Funds - $300,000
House Bill 5006 ARPA Funds from Senator Lynn Findley - $750,000

PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CENTER:

In order to site the facility successfully for JCFBN, the population they serve, while being sensitive to the community and meeting requirements of the grants, finding the right property was a bit challenging. The criteria included:

An accessible lot, the right size, availability, and proper zoning with a willing seller
Located outside the floodplain
Located near the Downtown core for accessibility to other assisting agencies
Located away from schools/childcare centers
The least amount of impact on existing residential neighborhoods
Existing infrastructure (water, sewer, utilities)
Existing safety corridor (lit streets, crosswalks, and/or signaled intersections)
Would appraise for selling price