Coordinated Houseless Response Office

Logos of Deschutes Counties and the Cities of Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and La Pine

The CHRO, in partnership with Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 as the first step in a process to increase shelter options in Bend, Redmond, and Deschutes County. Learn more about the RFQ (CED 24-01) here: https://www.coic.org/open-procurements/

Background

Deschutes County and the Cities of Bend, La Pine, Sisters and Redmond are recipients of House Bill 4123, which provides $1 million in funding to coordinate efforts for the purpose of strengthening Central Oregon’s houseless response system.

Strategy

Our office applies an 'all strategies' approach to creating a high-performance system that responds differently, urgently, and at scale. We especially seek opportunities to implement long-term solutions that are evidence-based and trauma-informed. These proven solutions inform the focus of our major strategic initiatives and investments.

Our office is currently focused on a number of major strategic initiatives, including:

  • Helping to drive regional efforts around quality data collection, analysis, and reporting, in conjunction with our regional partners Homeless Leadership Coalition (HLC) and NeighborImpact, and national partners at Built for Zero (BfZ).
  • Supporting shelter system capacity, including congregate (mass) shelter beds and non-congregate motel rooms, and necessary staff.
  • Investing in service provider capacity, including offering technical assistance and strategies to promote workforce expansion.
  • Stimulating development of supportive housing units to meet the need for affordable housing at the lowest income levels.
  • Coordinating with public land management agencies to assess current encampments and provide technical assistance for reducing harm and identifying effective solutions.

Community Resources

Stay Connected

Have questions or feedback? Please email HouselessOffice@deschutes.org.

View recordings and information from past meetings here.

View upcoming CHRO meetings here.