County Commission directs staff to identify new location for Wilson Ave. Housing Program

On Wednesday, March 20, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the Wilson Avenue Housing Program, which serves men on supervision with Deschutes County Parole & Probation. The County purchased the triplex at 640 SE Wilson Ave in Bend with grant funding from the State of Oregon. The program provides interim and long-term housing for men who are involved with the justice system and would otherwise experience acute homelessness.

Commissioners heard public testimony from community members about the program and voted 2-1 to direct staff to look for an alternate location for the program in Bend or Redmond. Commissioner Phil Chang voted against the motion, articulating that he’d like more information about how the County would purchase a new property and address neighbor concerns about a new location.

Commissioners will continue their discussion about the program in April.

Media Contact: Whitney Hale, Deputy County Administrator, (541) 330-4640