Salem, OR – In a move that has drawn attention to the growing challenges surrounding homelessness in Salem, the Salem Housing Authority (SHA) recently announced it would withdraw from its homeless outreach efforts due to budget limitations. For the past eight years, SHA’s Special Programs Team, consisting of three Outreach Navigators, had been working directly with unsheltered individuals across the city, connecting them with critical housing resources and services.
This team, which operated as part of SHA’s broader initiative to address homelessness, played an essential role in reaching out to those living on the streets and in encampments. They conducted street outreach using a decommissioned ambulance, which had been repurposed into the Compassion Action Response Team (C.A.R.T.). This mobile unit allowed staff to offer immediate support services, including Coordinated Entry assessments and help with housing applications.
However, the funding for these services, which had been partially supported by opioid settlement money, is set to expire next year. With no clear path to secure sustainable funding, SHA has been forced to scale back its outreach efforts. While the organization has stated that it is actively seeking alternative funding sources, the future of the outreach program remains uncertain.
This decision by SHA highlights the broader issues facing homelessness programs in Salem. A recent study revealed that the city’s approach to homelessness is fragmented, with no long-term, cohesive strategy in place. Additionally, the city’s reliance on temporary funding has led to a volatile funding landscape. In 2024 alone, 87% of the $13.4 million spent on sheltering and homeless services came from one-time state and federal grants.
Despite the loss of SHA’s outreach services, Salem is still committed to addressing homelessness through other means. The city continues to operate a 24/7 low-barrier navigation center, designed to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with a range of support, from shelter to job assistance. In addition, there has been progress in creating permanent supportive housing, including the 20 units at Yaquina Hall, which cater to individuals with complex needs.
The decision to pull back from direct outreach comes at a time when the issue of homelessness in Salem remains a pressing concern, underscoring the city’s struggle to find long-term solutions amidst an ever-growing crisis. The SHA’s withdrawal raises questions about the effectiveness of short-term fixes and the need for a more sustainable, comprehensive approach to tackling homelessness in the region.
