2012 Tri-County Homeless Count Numbers
- Persons Experiencing Homelessness Longer
in Central Oregon

On April 17, 2012 the Homeless Leadership Coalition released the data collected from the annual homeless count, conducted Thursday, January 26, 2012. On this day, 2,132 individuals self-identified as persons experiencing homelessness within the tri-county region. One in two people surveyed identified themselves as having been homeless for greater than one year. Homelessness continues to take its toll on the community in Central Oregon as the local economy continues to stagnate. Unemployment numbers remain high and foreclosures continue to negatively affect families.

Click here for more information and to download the reports

Click here to download the official press release

About the Homeless Leadership Coalition

Central Oregon has long recognized the need for a more coordinated and informed response to homelessness and people living in poverty.  Since the late 1990’s, The Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition (HLC) has been tackling this challenging and often dynamic problem.

The HLC consists of more than 40 organizations and individuals from Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties.  They include the faith community, shelter providers, public schools, public health, emergency services, veterans outreach, public safety, mental health, housing services, public services private employers and others.  They represent a diverse group of interests, unified by a common focus.

Mission: The Homeless Leadership Coalition is a collaboration of community partners in Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties engaging the community through education, advocacy, planning, prioritization and accountability for services to persons experiencing homelessness. 

Click here to review the HLC bylaws

Voting Membership: Voting membership in the HLC shall consist of one individual representing each of the following categories (Exception: 5 representatives for “At-Large” category).  As of January 9, 2012, there are vacancies in four categories.   If you are interested in filling one of the vacant positions, please review the bylaws, and contact Kenny LaPoint or Racheal Baker for more information.

Permanent Housing (1)
Shelter (1)
Education (1)
Employment (1)
Youth (1)
Emergency Services (e.g. food, utility, one time rent)(1)
Legal (1)
Veterans (1)
Health (1)
Behavioral Health (1)
Transportation (1)
Faith-Based (1)
Business (1) VACANCY
Elderly (1)
At-Large (5)

The Homeless Leadership Coalition is responsible for the following projects:

• One Night Homeless Count: The HLC will make efforts through a working group to maintain a One Night Homeless Count, so long as the count continues to provide resources towards the mission of HLC. 
• Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness: The HLC and voting member working groups will work toward maintaining and pursuing the goals within the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness.
• Project Connect: The HLC and voting member working groups will support efforts to sustain Project Connect.
• Veterans Work Group: Planning and advocating housing and supportive services in Central Oregon.
• Housing Work Group: Completing a housing inventory and gaps analysis for all types of housing in Central Oregon.
• Drop-in Center Work Group: Investigating, advocating and planning for a homeless youth drop-in center in Bend.
• Financial Education for Youth Work Group: Supporting the efforts of "JumpStart" as a model for educating youth about budgeting.
• Discharge Planning for Elderly and Disabled Work Group: Developing protections for appropriate discharge of elderly and mentally ill clients from the emergency room.