Grants Pass, OR – September 2024 – The Grants Pass City Council has approved a $325,000 budget to cover the operational costs of temporary homeless camping sites, a step towards addressing the city’s growing need for emergency housing solutions. The allocated funds will be used to manage and maintain a temporary site currently located on land designated for the new water treatment plant, which is expected to break ground next year.
The decision comes as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to provide safer, more structured environments for the homeless population while longer-term housing strategies are developed. The approved funding will support essential services at the site, including sanitation, security, and overall site management. This move aims to ensure that the location remains a viable and humane option for individuals facing housing instability.
City officials emphasized that the temporary campsite, although an immediate solution, is not intended as a permanent fixture. The land it occupies will be repurposed when construction on the new water treatment facility begins in 2025. As such, city planners are actively exploring alternative locations and sustainable solutions for the homeless community in the future.
“The Council’s approval of these funds represents a commitment to both the well-being of our homeless population and the broader community,” said a city spokesperson. “While this site is temporary, it provides essential relief for those in need as we continue to explore longer-term options.”
The funding approval underscores the city’s recognition of the pressing challenges posed by homelessness, and officials hope it will contribute to a safer and more organized approach to temporary shelter.
Further updates on the future of homeless housing solutions in Grants Pass are expected as the city continues to refine its strategies for addressing homelessness in the area.
