Bend closer to buying motel for homeless shelter

The Bend City Council voted to enter a purchase and sale agreement on Wednesday with the intention of transforming the Old Mill Inn & Suites Motel into a homeless shelter.

The city recently was chosen by the Oregon Community Foundation to move beyond the first phase of a grant program called Project Turnkey, which would provide funds to buy the hotel at 904 SE Third St.

If granted the money, the city will work with the nonprofit organization NeighborImpact, along with other homeless service providers, to operate the shelter, said Mayor Sally Russell.

"I think this is a huge step," Councilor Anthony Broadman said, adding that this kind of project helps the city get closer to a "housing first" model to address a growing homeless population.

Read more: https://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/bend-closer-to-buying-motel-for-homeless-shelter/article_87ead73c-6667-11eb-845a-2b673c9a5b81.html