Lane County will add two new microsites in Eugene for the unhoused at the end of April. While temporary, the county plans to reuse the sites for emergency shelter during the winter season.
In response to COVID-19 and homelessness the county has set up four microsites and two more are on the way. City and county Joint Shelter and Housing strategist Sarai Johnson said so far the project has been effective at a time when the pandemic has brought about more urban camping.
“One of the most important things about it is that they are run similar to a rest stop where people are expected to maintain a good neighbor agreement with the neighborhood association with surrounding neighbors and other concerns as well as adhere to the agreements at the microsite while they are guests there,” she said.
Each location can hold up to six structures and will portable restrooms, trash pickup, and hand washing stations. One of the newest sites will go up behind the Lane Events Center until June 30. This site could return in November and will be outfitted with six pallet shelters. The gap is operation is due to events scheduled to occur at the center during the summer Johnson said.
The other spot will be placed on River Road and the Northwest Expressway and will have platforms for tents. The location will remain operational until further notice. Both sites are expected to be operational on April 29.
This webpost has been updated with additional information on the microsites.
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