NB Community Survey on Homelessness/Camping, Jan. 11

The City of North Bend recently conducted a survey of its citizens to receive feedback on the Homeless/Illegal Camping problems with the city. Over 968 responses were received producing 42 pages of various comments/suggestions to address a growing problem not only in the Bay Area, but throughout the State, Pacific Northwest and Nation. According to a synapse of the survey, Willingness to help address homelessness: More than 50% of respondents are supportive of emergency/short-term shelters, transitional housing, and places for RVs to camp; Few respondents are willing to pay increased fees or taxes to support programs that address homelessness; Some are willing to lobby their State Representatives –Rep. Boomer Wright & Sen. Dick Anderson. Also, of the 968 Responses: 82% Completion Rate; 65% live in North Bend (About 5% of North Bend’s population); 16% are Business Owners/Operators; 77% are Property Owners; 21% are Renters; 2% are Unhoused. Responses collected throughout the month of November 2021 –coordinated with the Library, Devereaux Center, Water Board, and the two local high schools to get a broader range of input. In a breakdown of the survey: 94% agreed that Homelessness is a problem; 58% new someone who has experienced Homelessness; On camping on private property: 36% disapproved of camping in non-residential zones; 34% disapproved camping in residential zones; Of those who said camping was okay, they supported within a designated site; those not okay with camping identified sidewalks, parks, & residential zones. Overall Themes: NIMBY –Not In My Backyard (Town) Camping should be at a Designated Camp Site Enforcement concerns Safety / Sanitation concerns (for both the housed & unhoused) Property value concerns Implement permit parking program (public property) Implement a work program (work for shelter and food) City and local Churches should make use of their property Partner with non-profits to meet the needs of the unhoused Focus more on providing affordable housing Implement rent caps. Quote: “Just do what Coos Bay did it seems to be working not sure why you all need to reinvent the wheel.”