The Grants Pass City Council passed a resolution on January 7, 2025, outlining new usage guidelines for the city’s resting sites, specifically the 7th Street site. This resolution aims to balance the needs of the unhoused community with the goal of maintaining safe, clean public spaces. In the lead-up to this transition, the Grants Pass Police Department has been actively working with local community partners to ensure a smooth and fair implementation, ensuring that those affected had access to essential resources.
For the past two weeks, the Grants Pass Police Department has communicated the new rules to individuals utilizing the city’s resting sites, informing them of the changes so they could make preparations. A wide range of local organizations has supported this effort, including MINT, PATH, U-Turn for Christ, HWAM, Mid-Rogue Foundation, UCAN, ADAPT, Options of Southern Oregon, Grants Pass Sobering Center, Maslow Project, WCST, Gospel Rescue Mission, Dove Ministries, On-Track, and Veterans Affairs. These collaborations are part of an ongoing effort to ensure those in need are connected with the resources and services available to them.
On January 21, the 7th Street resting site officially shifted to an overnight-use model, with individuals allowed to rest at the site between 5:00 PM and 7:00 AM. This change was part of a broader plan to ensure the resting site remains a safe, clean space for those in need. After the site closes during the day, the Grants Pass Police Department, alongside community service officers and parking enforcement officers, has been involved in maintaining the area’s cleanliness. On January 21, a group of ten volunteers from U-Turn for Christ assisted in removing abandoned property, trash, and spoiled food, ensuring that the site remains ready for the following night’s use.
The Grants Pass Police Department has long been committed to supporting the community, particularly at-risk individuals. The department established the Community Resource Team (CRT) several years ago, aiming to find solutions and connect people with necessary resources while ensuring compliance with state laws and local ordinances. Over the years, CRT officers have helped numerous community members access identification, housing, treatment, and immediate needs such as food and clothing. This relationship-based approach has enabled the team to better assist individuals in need and encourage acceptance of resources that can help improve their circumstances.
In partnership with Options of Southern Oregon, the Grants Pass Police Department now houses a full-time case manager/advocate within the department, with plans to add a second advocate by spring 2025. These advocates work directly with at-risk individuals to provide support and resources, acting as an additional, non-law enforcement point of contact for those in need. The advocates engage directly with individuals, meeting them where they are and helping them navigate available resources.
Additionally, the police department has been a staunch supporter of the Deflection program, both at the state and local levels. Deflection allows individuals with substance abuse issues to avoid criminal charges by choosing to enter a structured treatment program run by the Grants Pass Sobering Center. Since its launch in December 2024, three individuals have successfully completed the Deflection program, illustrating its effectiveness and the department’s commitment to supporting those seeking help.
The department has also strengthened its collaboration with ADAPT, a local service provider, to assist individuals affected by substance abuse. When police respond to a drug overdose or similar emergency, they immediately contact ADAPT to ensure a case worker is on-site or available at the hospital. This partnership ensures that individuals struggling with addiction are quickly connected to appropriate treatment resources when they are most receptive to help.
The Grants Pass Police Department remains committed to being a best-practice organization, continuously working to support all members of the community, including those facing homelessness and substance abuse challenges. Through these efforts, the department is striving to make the city a safer, more compassionate place for everyone.