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Shawna Roberson tears up while discussing some of the belongings she lost during the closure of the China Hat area in 2025 while at her camp in Juniper Ridge outside Bend. “Just talking about it gives me such a headache,” Roberson said about losing a fifth wheel and other possessions. Roberson lived in the China Hat area for approximately 5 years, and then relocated to Juniper Ridge after the closure of by the U.S. Forest Service. Photo by Joe Kline.

‘I lost it all’: Residents of Oregon homeless camp say Forest Service blew off calls, appointments to reclaim lost property

Former residents of one of Oregon’s largest homeless encampments say they lost cars, work tools, irreplaceable family photos and other items.

9 hours ago16 min read

Linda Cline, City of Redmond Housing Program Analyst, stands above the Northpoint Vista development in Redmond. The 40-acre site, formerly Deschutes County land, will include a mix of affordable, workforce, and market rate homes. Photo by Joe Kline.

Redmond affordable housing developments stifled by budget cuts

Local leaders say the projects were passed over during the last round of applications for state funding from Oregon Housing and Community Services, despite Central Oregon's ongoing growth and need

Feb 108 min read

Phil and Megs Gordon stand outside in Renaissance Ridge Park in Bend. The Gordon’s are homeless, currently living in their RV. Megs said the couple typically visits parks throughout Bend during the day to avoid their RV being parked in one place for too long. Photo by Joe Kline.

'We thought we were safe': The story of a Bend family's fall into homelessness

Before the pandemic, Phil and Megan Gordon were happy to be in Bend. They had jobs, they launched a business, and they were close to their kids. But amid the pandemic housing crunch and the cost-of-living crisis, they were forced out of a house and into a hotel. Then, when they moved into an RV, they found that even asking for help has a price.

Jan 2713 min read

Cindy Pierce distributes mail to recipients waiting outside at Bend United Methodist Church. The free service offers approximately 200 people an opportunity to have somewhere for their mail to be delivered. Photo by Joe Kline.

Bend church mailroom offers 'lifeline' to homeless

Bend United Methodist Church's volunteer-run mail program offers a crucial service for those who lack a fixed address

Jan 136 min read

A person bundles up while sitting along a sidewalk in Bend. Staying warm throughout the winter is a constant struggle for many unhoused individuals, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to health complications and further challenges. Photo by Joe Kline.

'The list keeps growing': Longest Night vigils honor those who died homeless

Local organizers will lead candlelight vigils to raise awareness during the 34th annual Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

Dec 9, 20256 min read

Ricky Saunders waits in line to exchange a propane container during a weekly service provider gathering near encampments off Antler Avenue in Redmond. Jericho Road runs the weekly propane exchange, as well as providing meals and distributing food. Photo by Joe Kline.

Economic uncertainty drives need for services, support during holidays, every day

Service organizations dedicated to helping vulnerable Central Oregonians are facing mounting economic challenges as federal, state and local funding dries up. At the same time, the cost-of-living crisis continues to spiral, driving the demand for services.

Nov 25, 202515 min read