Responding to Sheltering in Public Spaces

December 18, 2023

Warming Resources

The Salem Warming Network will announce activation of overnight warming services if temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below. Watch the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency website on Emergency Services for information and to volunteer.  Announcements occur closer to the time of activation, such as the night before or day of activation.
Seed of Faith Ministries announces activation at 1248 Winter Street NE, through CRAWL:  Community Recovery and Wellness Living. For more information, reach 503-881- 3939.
Warming resources are also available in Marion and Polk Counties.

Salem Outreach and Livability Services (SOS) Program

The SOS Team continues direct outreach to those living unsheltered, to share resources and alternative options to assist property owners with those who may be trespassing on private property, and to pick up garbage where it can be easily accessed. Working alongside outreach, specialized law enforcement teams, and other partners, residents should see a focused response to conditions in the following areas:

• Market and Hawthorne NE
• Marion Square Park and Woodmansee Park
• Front Street
• Macleay and Cordon Road, and
• around Weathers Park
• In and around Downtown.

Expanding Housing and Shelter

• Salem Housing Authority was recognized by the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance as the first agency statewide to use resources from the Governor’s Emergency Order to assist people with rapid rehousing. Their work continues to access housing for those who qualify.
• Salem Housing Authority’s Sequoia Crossings opens in early 2024 with 60 new units.
• The Safe Parking Network partners with local communities to provide legal parking spaces on their property for those who are unsheltered to stay in their vehicle overnight. C@P’s goal is to help transition those in our Safe Parking program to permanent housing as quickly as possible. Call 971-375-7491 or email safeparking@church-at-the-park.org .

Day center resources for day services

• ARCHES day center is open Wednesday through Sunday at 615 Commercial Street NE.
• HOAP (Homeless Advocacy Outreach) at 694 Church Street NE is open during the day from Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• The ROCC (Recovery Outreach Community Center) offers activities and allows access to a microwave for snacks to eat there. ROCC is open Wednesday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday, noon to 5:00 p.m., at 2555 Silverton Road NE, and offers transportation to a church with showers on Tuesdays. http://www.roccsalem.org/calendar
• Kindness Closet is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each Tuesday and offers ARCHES’ shower truck, a hot meal, coffee, cold drinks, desserts, and a bag lunch to go. They are hosted by the Grace Community Church at 4105 Lancaster Dr. NE.
• The Oak Park Church of God hosts a wellness table each Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The table includes a meal, a partnership with the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency for a shower truck visit and other community partners. The location is 2990 Lancaster Dr. NE.