The Eugene City Council got an update on shelter options for the unhoused this week. This included another nudge turn the COVID-19 Recovery Center into a low-barrier navigation center post-pandemic.
The building located on 100 River Avenue was purchased by Lane County in the earlier days of the pandemic for unhoused adults who either needed a place to recover, or quarantine.
Joint Housing and Shelter Strategist Sarai Johnson had previously suggested the recovery center as a viable option for use after the pandemic, but the facility has yet to be officially designated as the future Navigation Center.
If the Recovery Center were to become a Navigation Center, it would help fulfil for a low-barrier shelter outlined by the Technical Assistance Collaborative report, known as the TAC report. The TAC report aims to reduce chronic homelessness in Lane County over a period of 5 years. The Recovery center can hold 75-beds and provide an array of services.
Post-pandemic, a Recovery Center turned Navigation Center is projected to have a yearly operating cost of $2.1 million. Johnson said Lane County has budgeted $1 million to support a Navigation Center.
No decisions were made, but Johnson said she's hopeful they will find funds to cover the remaining cost. It was also suggested the city could see funding to address homelessness during this years State Legislative Session.
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