Resolution No. 35 for 2023 - A Resolution Establishing a Continuum of Care for Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties

WHEREAS, homelessness is a critical issue in the tri-county region of Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties; in Oregon; and across the nation; and

WHEREAS, children, families, veterans, and chronically homeless individuals experiencing mental illness and addictions comprise a large portion of the region's homeless population; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development created the Continuum of Care program in 1994 as a means for communities across the nation to "engage in multi-year strategic planning for homeless programs and services that are well integrated with planning for mainstream services"; mainstream services denoting public housing, Section 8 housing choice vouchers, and services for runaway and homeless youth, victims of domestic violence, veterans, seniors, and people experiencing addictions and/or mental illness; and

WHEREAS, Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties are part of a "balance of state" Rural Oregon Continuum of Care; and

WHEREAS, the City of Sweet Home carefully considered relevant factors and determined that the region could benefit from creating its own Continuum of Care, with enhanced service coordination, local autonomy, and alignment of goals to more effectively reduce homelessness in the region;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sweet Home supports establishing a Continuum of Care for the Linn, Benton, and Lincoln County region and supports the new Continuum of Care registering with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2024.

PASSED by the City Council and approved by the Mayor this 12 day of December, 2023.