Recorded On: July 26, 2019
Air Date: July 29, 2019
From the City Club of Eugene:
The 2019 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count Report on homelessness contains a grim reminder of the challenge of the un-sheltered facing the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area. The report indicates that there has been a rise of 32% in the total number of homeless from 2018. The 2,165 un-sheltered people include 841 chronically homeless, 197 veterans, 26 unaccompanied youth, and 84 families with children. The community’s response has been primarily temporary assistance as evidenced by 2,070 people who stayed at the Eugene Mission in 2018 and 1,537 individuals who were provided with a reprieve from the cold for 22 nights. The County and City received a report in March 2019 from the Technical Assistance Corporation (TAC) that outlines a number of recommendations. Many community organizations are also pursuing supportive services housing to address permanent needs and lobbying local government for additional assistance.
Lise Stuart provides a summary of the findings in the PIT Report and the recommendations contained in TAC’s report. Shannon Smythe outlines social services available at the Eugene Mission to its occupants, while Kris McAllister provides a grassroots perspective on the challenges and needs of the homelessness population.
Speakers:
Lise Stuart, Senior Management Analyst for Lane County Human Services Division:
Shannon Smythe, LPC, Supportive Services Manager, Eugene Mission;
Kris McAllister, Assistant Director of Carry it Forward and former homeless representative of the Poverty and Homeless Board.
Copyright KLCC, 2019
