I have to chuckle – and not in a humorous way – when I see social media posts from our self-proclaimed “keyboard warriors.” These well-intentioned, if misguided, individuals take to platforms to demand that our town’s wealthiest citizens “do something” about the homelessness crisis. Let’s be clear: the current fixation seems to be on Travis Boersma, a local who has arguably given more to this community than any individual in recent memory. The founder of Dutch Bros, Boersma has contributed millions to various causes in Grants Pass, yet somehow, many overlook his contributions and instead act as if he owes more, as if solving homelessness single-handedly should fall on him.
Let’s remember the past few decades. Boersma built Dutch Bros from a small coffee stand to one of the most successful companies in the country. And he didn’t forget where he came from; he’s donated generously to a wide array of community causes, from education to healthcare. But despite all his efforts, some in this community have, quite frankly, repaid him with resentment. The now-infamous “Flying Lark” debacle is a prime example. This venture could have brought in revenue and resources that would benefit the entire county, yet rather than coming to his defense, the local government left him without support, ultimately leading him to pull back his investments in the area. And for what? Bureaucratic shortsightedness and lack of appreciation?
Dutch Bros’ recent decision to relocate some operations to Phoenix, Arizona, is another indicator of how far Grants Pass has fallen from being a supportive community for local entrepreneurs. As County Commissioner Herman Baertschiger pointed out, “Grants Pass is an awful place to have a business,” which speaks volumes. We cannot expect a business owner, who has already given so much, to continue supporting a city that has stifled his own aspirations and failed to support meaningful projects that could have created jobs and growth.
And yet, some seem to think that more private donations are the answer to our homelessness problem. They post, comment, and demand that Boersma and other prominent residents step up with their checkbooks. But money alone isn’t going to solve homelessness. This issue is rooted in far deeper problems: mental health struggles, drug addiction, and the lack of adequate social services. We have resources – but resources alone cannot address the underlying challenges without effective, systemic change.
Then there’s the issue of leadership. Local candidates, like Chris Barnett, have campaigned on tackling homelessness. But we have to ask: does anyone have a real plan? I’d bet dollars to donuts that Barnett and others have little understanding of what it will actually take to address the complex needs of this population. Until we acknowledge and address the fundamental challenges that fuel homelessness, any talk about “fixing” it is just empty rhetoric.
The truth is, money alone won’t fix homelessness. It’s not about how much Travis Boersma or anyone else donates. Until we, as a community, are willing to invest in real solutions that tackle mental health, addiction, and affordable housing, no amount of cash – private or public – will make a lasting difference. It’s time to stop pointing fingers and start creating sustainable change.
