Community News

A news segment was conducted by the KATU News team on Rural Homelessness in Oregon – specifically highlighting Polk County. Click the red play button below to watch the segment on YouTube.

On 10/11, the PATHS Board approved Rural Polk County’s 5-Year Strategic Plan to Prevent and Address Homelessness. The plan was presented to the Polk County Board of Commissioners on 10/24. On November 1st, Polk County Itemizer-Observer posted an article about the plan being approved. Click here to read the article. This plan is organized with … Read more

The Warming Centers season normally runs November 1st through March 31st, but with freezing temperatures already this weekend, they are opening early: Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights, October 27-29. Only our Monmouth location will activate this round. Please help us spread the word to your unsheltered neighbors who may need a warm, dry, and safe place to sleep — and … Read more

You are invited to a Humanity of Homelessness Storytelling Event hosted by Abby’s House, Church @ the Park, and PATHS. What: Storytelling EventWhen: Wednesday, November 15th • 7:00PM – 8:30PM (doors open at 6:30PM)Where: Western Oregon University • Werner Center • Pacific Room Cost: FreeWhy: Hear stories from people who have experienced homelessness, those who have overcome … Read more

Ediger Hall debuts as a temporary home for unhoused families and residents. See article below for more information. Ediger Hall news article

A Community Information Summit about homelessness and housing initiatives in rural Polk County was held online on Tuesday 9/19 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Speakers from local service providers shared information about programs including: After the speakers shared their presentations, there was a Q&A session. Participants submitted questions through the zoom webinar platform. The speakers and moderators replied … Read more

As students head back-to-school this week, middle and high school teachers are receiving a pencil pouch with a collection of brochures. They give information about resources available to youth and families who are experiencing homelessness. Nationally, 1 in 30 students experience homelessness at some point during the school year. Teachers may become aware of students … Read more

Per school year, 213 students experienced homelessness in rural Polk County on average for the school years 2018-2022. 191 of them experienced homelessness with their families and 19 of them were unaccompanied youth.  Click here to view the “Student Homelessness in Rural Polk County” data. These data are gathered and reported by the McKinney-Vento liaisons … Read more

August 22, 2023 – to view the YouTube video, click here.

Church @ the Park received funding to stand up a managed micro community in rural Polk County. They are under contract on a property on Holman Ave in Dallas. The site will be staffed 24x7x365. The existing house will be used to provide on site support to the guests using the shelter. This will include … Read more