Oregon's ongoing battle against homelessness received a significant boost during the Senate Committee on Housing and Development meeting held on April 28, 2025. Key discussions highlighted the impact of state-funded initiatives, particularly Project Turnkey, which has successfully established family shelters across the state, including a notable facility in Tigard. This shelter not only provides immediate housing but also helps maintain connections for children to their home communities, as evidenced by school buses regularly picking them up.

Jimmy Jones, executive director of the Mid Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, presented alarming statistics from a recent point-in-time count, revealing that 2,166 individuals are currently homeless in Marion and Polk Counties—an all-time high. Notably, 47% of these individuals are experiencing homelessness for the first time, primarily due to economic pressures rather than substance abuse or mental health issues.

Jones emphasized the importance of state funding in sustaining shelter operations, noting that his agency manages two Project Turnkey motels and a navigation center, collectively providing over 300 shelter beds year-round. He pointed out that while homelessness numbers are rising, the presence of these shelters has significantly improved the situation in urban areas like Salem compared to previous years.

The meeting also addressed the effectiveness of diversion programs aimed at preventing evictions. Jones highlighted that 70% of the funds from the Oregon Diversion Assistance Program are utilized by community action agencies, which play a crucial role in keeping families housed.

Despite the challenges ahead, Jones expressed optimism about the state's efforts, citing that Oregon's navigation centers have achieved a 54% success rate in transitioning individuals into permanent housing—far exceeding national averages. As the state continues to confront rising homelessness, the commitment to funding and innovative solutions remains critical for making a tangible difference in the lives of Oregonians.