Center for the Houseless building Steam in TD; Effort intends to avoid Portland's situation
This photo looks out on the 2.6-acre property that was donated to the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council. It is at 2505 W. Seventh Street in The Dalles and could eventually be the site for a Navigation Center to help the houseless in our community.
By Tom Peterson
A plan to create a Navigation Center in The Dalles to help those struck with poverty, houselessness, mental and behavioral health issues as well as addictions has already gained $2.75 million in funding as well as deeded property for its siting.
Click this graphic to enlarge.
The project needs another $3 million. But it looks like it has legs and could go a long way to address the houseless situation locally.
“”It feels like the cavalry is coming,” Colleen Ballinger told The Dalles City Councilors on Monday, Feb. 14. “Due to rising rents, there is no long-term solution for the unhoused.”
Ballinger sits on the board of St. Vincent de Paul Ministry, which operates a warming shelter at 315 W. Third Street. She said addiction is more challenging, and there are not enough public restrooms, and clients are dealing with chronic mental illness.”
This photo was taken by neighbors more than a year ago as they went to The Dalles City Council with complaints about the Houseless littering and defecating outside in areas along west Third Street.
“They are experiencing soul-crushing pain,” she said. “They have no coping skills, and it can become a volatile situation. St. Vincent de Paul volunteers and staff feel as helpless as the clients do.”
In fact, a car fire on Pentland Street near Third Street on Saturday, Feb. 12, sent a fire engine out on a vehicle packed with someone’s belongings, as many are living out of their vehicles.
But there is hope on the horizon. For instance, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council was able to transition 21 people into stable housing in 2021, according to its annual report.
And the agency hopes to greatly improve on those numbers in years to come with the Navigation Center.
Action Council’s Kenny LaPoint told Council on Monday that his agency had secured title to 2.6 acres of donated land at 2505 W. Seventh Street, and they have $2.75 million in committed funds for a center to address the houseless situation holistically.
“Portland has become the place everyone looks at and says, I don’t want our community to look like this,” LaPoint told Councilors. “We expect better and more from our people because we believe they can do well - this comes from wrapping services around people and expecting more.”
To that end, the Navigation Center would provide one-stop-shopping, if you will, for those in crisis.
Click on this image to enlarge it. Location of proposed Navigation Center at 2505 W. Seventh Street near Coastal Farm & Supply. One acre of the 2.6 donated for the site could be eventually used for housing in the future. Currently, the drive is to build this 14,000 square-foot building to provide a one-stop for those experiencing houselessness.
LaPoint said they are planning for a 14,000 square foot building that could eventually hold offices for Mid-Columbia Center for Living, The Next Door, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority, Bridges to Health, the Oregon Human Development Corporation, One Community Health, Columbia Gorge Health Council and Nch’i Wana Housing for issues addressing Native Americans living along the Columbia River.
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council Exec. Dir. Kenny LaPoint
Bremik Construction Inc, which built the Columbia Gorge Community College skill center and dormitory as well as was the general contractor for the Dufur School remodel is being proposed to construct the Navigation Center.
LaPoint said they wanted a quality builder that would erect a building that would be an asset to the community.
After construction, each agency would contribute to the maintenance of the Navigation Center building, LaPoint said.
This does not mean that these agencies would all move out of their existing buildings, rather have offices at the Navigation Center to assist people, for example, experiencing houselessness, addiction and mental health issues, in one fell swoop.
Currently, houseless people, experiencing multiple problems have to go between agencies while trying to maintain their possessions, acquire food, medications and shelter at the same time.
It’s often a recipe for failure, according to those working in the field. And the houseless remain trying to survive on the street.
In addition, the Navigation Center would also have community meeting space, a career resource center, classroom space, a commercial kitchen and drop-in childcare space for families receiving services. All are services to lift people into stable housing and career opportunities.
LaPoint said MCCAC is still seeking $3 million in funding. Potential sources include the Oregon Health Authority - which has up to $8 million to give per project - Community Development Block Grants of $1.5 million and Oregon Housing and Community Services at $500,000.
LaPoint will be presenting the Navigation Center plan to Wasco County Commissioners on Wednesday, Feb. 16.
TD Councilor Darcy Long
Councilor Darcy Long, who spent months operating the houseless shelter on Bargeway Road in The Dalles, recommended LaPoint reach out to other communities as she noted houseless people came from communities throughout Wasco County as well as Sherman County.
LaPoint, who has been able to put the vision for the Navigation Center together, started working for the Action Council in November of 2020.
Mayor Rich Mays was impressed with the amount of work he had already accomplished.
“I think you have done great work, and I applaud you for it,” he said.
