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New tiny home village in Bend welcomes first resident amid celebration and complaints
Tiny home villages are increasingly considered a solution to the affordable housing crisis, offering temporary stability to unhoused people as they get back on track. But concerned neighbors continue to fight these developments every step of the way. One local developer was undeterred.
5 days ago10 min read


Bend couple wrestle with homelessness, addiction amid treatment shortage
Christine Greene says she and her partner, Levi, are unhoused and caught in a cycle of despair. Studies show that Oregon is among the nation's worst where access to treatment is concerned, which exacerbates the challenges that come with homelessness.
Sep 306 min read


Homeless U.S. Marine Corps veteran serves up burgers, community at Lighthouse
After serving 18 years in the Marines, Todd Walters found himself homeless at age 60. Though the Iraqi War veteran faces significant challenges in finding his next home, he refuses to sit idly when there's food and friends to be made.
Sep 96 min read


Displaced China Hat campers reeling as their belongings become U.S. property
While the U.S. Forest Service touts efforts to clear out encampments as 'success,' a growing number of campers say their phone calls and emails have been ignored.
Aug 197 min read


'It can wreck you': Bend man holding on as homeless pushed farther out
Thomas Mercer was on his way to earning a degree in electronics engineering before a motorcycle accident changed his life forever. Now, he and his family are camping in a remote area east of Bend. As he struggles to maintain his health, and area officials continue to sweep encampments, he wonders how he'll survive.
Aug 125 min read


'I'm just trying to do good': Bend man spends his days trying to help others
J.R. Montgomery strives to help those struggling with homelessness and substance use disorder. Studies show that peer support improves outcomes for those being helped, as well as those who help.
Jul 226 min read


Lawmakers slash $100 million from budget for eviction prevention, legal aid
As Central Oregon sees spikes in homelessness, record numbers of cost-burdened renters and increased eviction filings, lawmakers slash $100 million from budget for eviction prevention and legal aid.
Jul 84 min read


Decorated Marine Corps veteran, homeless for more than a decade, braces for change
Andrew Couture has lived in the juniper forest east of Redmond for more than a decade. With another sweep looming, the disabled veteran who lives on a fixed income wonders where he and his friends will go.
Jun 245 min read


Cleveland Commons offers home, hope to Bend man
Trevor Duncan thought his life was over after he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Then, he learned that he had suffered a stroke. The effects could be reversed, but he'd need support to have a fighting chance.
Jun 105 min read


Bend service provider uses blend of training, personal experience to help homeless people
After several bouts of homelessness, Jessica Gamble founded the Home More Network. More recently, she drew upon her law enforcement training to mediate between campers and U.S. Forest Service rangers during the China Hat sweep in May
May 277 min read


China Hat sweep forces hundreds of homeless people from the forest
While some campers know where they’re headed next, most face uncertainty; advocates express concern about the people they care for, but most nearby neighbors are relieved.
May 117 min read


China Hat camper scrambles to find home amid looming forest service sweep
Caught in a "poverty trap," Zack Polton, who's been camping for over two years in the woods off China Hat Road, braces for what comes next
Apr 226 min read


Bend man finds home after living in forest for two years
With a U.S. Forest Service sweep scheduled for May 1, and with the help of service providers, Mark Jenkins found an apartment just in the kn
Apr 86 min read
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