The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald & News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance, your local health and Medicare agents.
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Klamath Basin Weather
- Red Flag Warning in effect until June 23, 03:00 AM.
- Fire Weather Watch in effect from June 22, 12:00 PM until June 23, 12:00 AM.
Today A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon, otherwise mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Mostly clear overnight with a low of 54.
Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 86.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 91.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 94.
Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.
Today’s Headlines
Oregon reports 78 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths
There are two new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,756. The Oregon Health Authority reported 78 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 206,850.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (7), Clatsop (3), Columbia (2), Curry (2), Deschutes (3), Douglas (5), Jefferson (1), Josephine (8), Lane (13), Linn (8), Morrow (1), Multnomah (18), Union (1), Wasco (1), Yamhill (4).
As of today, 2,353,753 Oregonians have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,104,707 have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series. The number of adult Oregonians needing vaccinations to reach the 70% threshold is 44,606. A daily countdown can be found on the OHA vaccinations page.
Officials have lowered evacuation levels near the Cutoff Fire, an announcement that will allow people to return to their homes if they wish.
All Level 3 “GO” evacuation orders have been reduced to Level 2 “Get Set.” This applies to areas east of Bly Mountain Cutoff Road, north to Grizzly Lane, west of Hummingbird Drive, and Forest Service Rd 3812 South three miles past Keno Springs Road.
Level 1 “Get Ready” notices remain in place for areas east of Bly Mountain Cutoff Road, north to Highway 140 and Kingfisher Drive, west of Hummingbird Drive, south to Grizzly Lane.
Forestry officials first reported the Cutoff Fire on Saturday afternoon in the Bly Mountain area. It quickly spread to southeast, covering an estimated 1,150 acres by Monday morning about six miles north of Bonanza.
According to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s on-scene Incident Command Team, crews were kept busy over Sunday night as winds carried drifting embers to the south and east of the main fire, igniting spot fires.
Lines on the fire’s northern and western flanks held through the night, and officials said that crews will now begin mopping up those areas. While evacuation levels were reduced, there is still significant danger in the area Monday afternoon. Residents should be aware of the possibility of down powerlines, damaged trees at risk of falling, and other dangers.
Roads in the fire area remain closed to all but emergency vehicles and residents only. Firefighting equipment traffic will continue to be heavy in the fire area. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office will also continue patrols in the area.
ODF Incident Management Team 1 will be holding a public meeting Tuesday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m. Members of the community are invited to join us at Bonanza Big Springs Park, 300 Main Street. A live stream will be available via Facebook live. In the case of severe weather please join us on the Facebook page for a virtual presentation.
Meanwhile, there is another fire to report, being called the Pool Fire, south of Chiloquin. The Klamath County Emergency Operations System says it’s about 25 acres and a Level 3 evacuation order is underway for an area southwest of Chiloquin.
Blue Pool Way to Witam Bluff Drive is in Level 3 “GO” evacuation status. Residents there should leave immediately due to fire threat.
Chiloquin Fire & Rescue said that firefighters and law enforcement are in the area and the public is asked to stay away. Klamath County said that the American Red Cross will be establishing a shelter shortly. Fire officials are warning of an increased risk of fire danger in Oregon this week. 0fficials are concerned about the high temperatures and dry conditions hitting the state. Officials say the risks are expected to continue to rise as the summer continues.
On June 20, 2021 at approximately 7:35 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 140W near milepost 43.
Preliminary investigation revealed a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by David Erickson (70) of Klamath Falls, was eastbound when it went off the roadway and crashed. Erickson was transported by air ambulance to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Rocky Point Fire & Medical, and the USFS.
On Saturday, June 19, at approximately 7:16 P.M. an OSP Trooper from the Klamath Falls Area Command stopped a vehicle for failure to drive within its lane on U.S. Highway 97 near milepost 264. During the traffic stop, the Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity, and a consent search was conducted. The search of the vehicle revealed approximately 55.1 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 2.2 pounds of cocaine, and approximately 1,027 grams of suspected fentanyl pills concealed in the vehicle.
The driver was identified as Daniel Ponce Gonzalez (36) from Yakima, Washington, and the passenger was identified as Benjamin Madrigal Birrueta (20) from Madera, California. Mr. Ponce Gonzalez and Mr. Madrigal Birrueta were lodged at the Klamath County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Cocaine, Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Forged Instrument.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by Agents from the Medford Offices of the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Coastal Farm Store will distribute 300 free life jackets to children 12 years old or younger at the Klamath County Fairgrounds this Sunday.
Starting at 11 a.m., the life jackets will be distributed in a drive-thru event on a first-come, first-served basis in the fairgrounds parking lot, a release from the farm, ranch and outdoors store stated.
“Water safety is top of mind for all of us here at Coastal,” said Coastal CEO Lori McKinnon in a statement. “Some of our employees have shared with me over the years their personal experiences with family members drowning in lakes and rivers, when they believe simply wearing a life jacket could have made all the difference.” The company is distributing 6,000 total free life jackets across Oregon and Washington this year, McKinnon said.
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Wildland firefighters for the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) responded to wildfires today and prepared for lightning storms.
The Pool Fire, located on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands east of Agency Lake, south of Chiloquin was reported around 2:30 p.m. It is 22 acres and under investigation. Firefighters have made great progress on the fire, stopping forward progression. They have been able to release some firefighting resources this evening.
All evacuation levels in the area were lifted this evening and the only remaining road closure is Witam Bluff Drive, southwest of the junction with Metate Lane.
There will continue to be increased firefighter traffic in the area. Drivers are asked to use caution. Smoke from the fire may continue to be visible as firefighters work to get full control of the fire.
“Today was another prime example of how fast and furious these fires can spread,” said Randall Baley, Protection Unit Forester for ODF. “Similar to our recent Cutoff Fire, within minutes or even seconds this fire was challenging Initial Attack operations.”
Firefighters also responded to a small fire on ODF protected lands near Klamath Marsh. The fire was one tenth of an acre and the cause is under investigation.
This evening firefighting resources are checking a smoke report on Green Mountain on Lakeview District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
Meanwhile, fire managers have been preparing for predicted abundant lightning on dry fuels. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect over the area through midnight Tuesday. Thunderstorms are predicted through Tuesday morning with gusty and variable winds.
This evening the SCOFMP area has received numerous lightning strikes, mostly east of U.S. Highway 97. Reports for the most part is there has been rain with the storms.
Fire resources will be monitoring for smoke from potential lightning fires over the coming days, especially as fuels dry out following the storms.
“SCOFMP has a tremendous network of dedicated and highly skilled wildland firefighters and resources that help us respond quickly and effectively to wildfires across boundaries, even as we manage larger incidents like the Cutoff Fire,” said Interagency Deputy Fire Management Officer Trent Wilkie.
This year has seen an early start to wildfire season in South Central Oregon and conditions continue to dry out this summer. The public is asked to use extreme caution with anything that can potentially spark a wildfire.
Regulated Use Restrictions are in effect on ODF protected lands and the fire danger level remains High. It is important to be aware of current fire restrictions. Visit www.scofmp.org to check the latest regulations.
Anyone going out into wildlands should be prepared with water, a shovel, fire extinguisher and axe. Campfires should never be left unattended and should be dead out and cold to the touch before leaving. If you suspect a wildfire, please report it to 911.
Around the state of Oregon
A 65-year-old Modoc County man died Sunday after the small plane he was aboard crashed.
Just after 9 a.m., a witness reported seeing a small aircraft crash on a ranch in Likely, Calif., a release from the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office stated Sunday. The witness saw the plane take off from a field but fail to gain altitude.
The pilot of the plane, a man from Alturas, Calif. who is also 65, was flown by SEMSA Air to Mercy Hospital in Redding, Calif., with serious injuries. The names of the pilot and the Modoc County man who died have not been released by press time. The county’s sheriff’s office and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has identified a local man who was killed when his small plane went down northeast of Sams Valley in the Beagle community on Sunday.
80-year-old Henry Levin of Medford was the pilot and sole occupant of the single-engine Piper Tri-Pacer that crashed near the Beagle Sky Ranch Airport.
His next of kin has been notified. Sheriff’s deputies and firefighters responded to the scene shortly before 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, finding the site of the crash in the backyard of a home in the 15000-block of Jones Road. The plane had clipped several nearby trees and ignited a small grass fire after impact.
Nearby residents were able to begin extinguishing the fire before crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry arrived. JCSO said that authorities from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will investigate the circumstances of the crash.
The biggest fire in the state is a wildfire on the Warm Springs Reservation in Wasco County is 0% contained. Dubbed the S-503 Fire, it is burning roughly three miles east of Highway 26. It was first spotted Friday evening and has since grown to about 5,000 acres. Officials with CTWS Fire Management said the fire was moving southeast Sunday morning and the perimeter continues to rapidly change.
Crews Make Steady Progress on North River Road Fire
Crews assigned to the North River Road Fire, located along the 4300-block of North River Road between Gold Hill and Rogue River, continued to make steady progress on mop-up operations overnight; the fire is now 65% contained. Lines along the perimeter are holding strong and the fire remains 60 acres, burning on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
Overnight, crews were able to mop up 50 feet into the interior of the fire along the entire perimeter. Three 20-person, two 10-person crews and three type-6 engines will continue that work today. A type two and type three helicopter will be available to the fire should bucket drops be necessary.
Jackson County Emergency Management and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued a level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice for the 1000-3000 blocks of Wards Creek Road in Rogue River and the surrounding area of the North River Road Fire. That evacuation notice remains in effect. North River Road is now open, however, the public is advised to used alternate routes if possible for the safety of firefighters working in the area. The BLM Mountain of the Rogue biking trails remain closed to the public for safety concerns and wildfire operations along the trails.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. ODF would like to thank our partner agencies who have provided resources on this fire, including Rogue River Fire District #1, Jackson County Fire District 3, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro Fire, Evans Valley Fire District #6, Medford Fire-Rescue, U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Roads Department.
Fire updates are available online at www.swofire.com and Facebook, @ODFSouthwest.
The Office of State Fire Marshal, the Oregon Fire Service, natural resource agencies, and Oregon licensed fireworks wholesalers ask Oregonians to “keep it legal and keep it safe” when using all fireworks.
The 2021 Oregon fireworks retail sales season opens June 23rd and runs through July 6th. The OSFM and its partners want everyone to know what fireworks are legal to use in Oregon without a permit, where residents can use them, and how to use fireworks safely. In 2020, the U.S. saw a record-setting year when it comes to the consumption of fireworks. American’s consumed 385.8 million pounds of fireworks, a 55 percent increase from the previous year.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nationwide, children 0 to 4 years old are injured by fireworks and treated at an emergency department more than any other age group. (5.3 injuries per 100,000 people). Older teens, 15 to 19 years old, have the second-highest injury rate (4.4 injuries per 100,000 people). Males represent 66 percent of all firework-related injuries. In Oregon, between 2016 and 2020, Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Lane Counties have had the highest rates of firework-related injuries.
State Fire Marshal Asks Oregonians to Keep Fireworks Use Legal and Safe
The Office of State Fire Marshal, the Oregon Fire Service, natural resource agencies, and Oregon licensed fireworks wholesalers ask Oregonians to “keep it legal and keep it safe” when using all fireworks. The 2021 Oregon fireworks retail sales season opens June 23rd and runs through July 6th. The OSFM and its partners want everyone to know what fireworks are legal to use in Oregon without a permit, where residents can use them, and how to use fireworks safely.
In 2020, the U.S. saw a record-setting year when it comes to the consumption of fireworks. American’s consumed 385.8 million pounds of fireworks, a 55 percent increase from the previous year. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nationwide, children 0 to 4 years old are injured by fireworks and treated at an emergency department more than any other age group. (5.3 injuries per 100,000 people). Older teens, 15 to 19 years old, have the second-highest injury rate (4.4 injuries per 100,000 people). Males represent 66 percent of all firework-related injuries.
In Oregon, between 2016 and 2020, Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Lane Counties have had the highest rates of firework-related injuries.
With an arid spring, much of Oregon experiencing some form of drought, and concerns over an active wildfire season, the Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal is asking people to be aware of the dry conditions. Always have a bucket of water on hand to drown spent or used fireworks, have a charged hose nearby, and never light fireworks near dry grass or areas that could catch fire easily.
“We ask that those using fireworks be responsible when using them,” Assistant Chief Deputy with the Office of the Oregon State Marshal Mark Johnston said. “Every year across the state, we see fires sparked because of improper use or use of illegal fireworks. Our message is to keep it legal and keep it safe as people celebrate the holiday.”
In Oregon, residents and visitors can only purchase consumer legal fireworks from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. Fireworks can also start structural fires that threaten lives and property, as we have seen in past years. People who plan to visit public lands and parks for the July 4 holiday are asked to leave all fireworks at home. The use of fireworks is prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, on state beaches, in state parks, and in state campgrounds.
For residents who purchase legal fireworks, the OSFM encourages everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use:
- Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
- Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
- Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait for 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
- Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.
Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the OSFM. Fireworks, commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers, are illegal in Oregon without a permit. Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
The OSFM has published FAQs for commonly answered questions about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, permits for the retail sale of fireworks, and state rules for their use and enforcement activities. OSFM’s fireworks education materials for sharing on social media also can be found on its website: Oregon State Fire Marshal
Oregon’s 9-1-1 Program First in Nation to Securely Deliver Lifesaving Location Information into Statewide Network
Oregon’s 9-1-1 Program and RapidSOS, an emergency response data platform, announced today a partnership to deliver lifesaving enhanced location data to each of the state’s 43 9-1-1 centers. Oregon is the first in the nation to securely deploy RapidSOS into an existing, secure statewide foundational Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet), powered by Lumen.
“The existing 9-1-1 system used to locate cell phone calls is over 20 years old, designed long before smartphones or GPS,” explained Oregon State 9-1-1 Program Manager Frank Kuchta. “When a person calls 9-1-1 from a cell phone, the dispatcher can’t see the caller’s exact location; instead, they have to rely on the caller’s wireless carrier for the information. This data comes from a cell tower that could put the caller miles away from where they physically are depending on several variables, including proximity to the cell tower, topography and the connecting technology.”
The RapidSOS Platform securely delivers real-time data from smartphones and sensors to 9-1-1 centers, helping 9-1-1 personnel quickly verify emergencies and providing critical location and additional data to effectively dispatch first responders.
Oregon’s foundational ESInet provides secure transport of 9-1-1 location data and other services for delivery across the state. The flexible network enables Oregon 9-1-1 centers to increase situational awareness by integrating innovative platforms such as RapidSOS.
“Of the 2 million 9-1-1 emergency calls received across the state each year, 80% are made using a wireless device,” said Kuchta. “RapidSOS provides an extra level of value by increasing location accuracy so Oregonians can be better located in an emergency when time matters most.”
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), more than 10,000 lives could annually be saved nationwide if 9-1-1 could locate wireless callers faster, allowing first responders to assist callers sooner.
Oregon’s 9-1-1 Program, Lumen and RapidSOS implemented the solution in early May 2021, and the state’s 9-1-1 centers currently using RapidSOS have already noticed improved location accuracy resulting in a more timely response in real-world scenarios. They are also seeing a cost benefit; the data allows 9-1-1 centers to eliminate added expenses associated with purchasing costly and redundant distributed networks, security devices, end-user licenses and the ongoing maintenance costs associated with acquiring supplemental caller location information.
Jessica Reed, Vice President of Strategy and Global Partners at RapidSOS, added, “We’re united in our commitment to empower safer, stronger communities with intelligent, data-driven emergency response worldwide. Together with the state of Oregon, we’re providing people with an added layer of safety and security and supporting our heroic first responders in saving millions of lives annually.”
Lifesaving emergency data available via the RapidSOS Platform is securely transmitted over Oregon’s foundational ESInet utilizing Transport Layer Security (TLS), a fundamental security function that encrypts the data and employs a trusted certificate exchange.
About Oregon 9-1-1 Program
Established in 1981 by the Oregon Legislature, the State 9-1-1 Program provides immediate access from all telephones to critical public and private safety services within Oregon. The state is home to 43 9-1-1 centers that cover its 36 counties. The State 9-1-1 Program is part of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management; learn more at Oregon.gov/oem/911.
About RapidSOS
In partnership with public safety, RapidSOS has created the world’s first emergency response data platform that securely links life-saving data from over 350M connected devices directly to emergency services and first responders. Through its platform, RapidSOS provides intelligent data that supports over 4,800 Emergency Communications Centers worldwide, across 150 million emergency calls annually. Together with our RapidSOS Ready emergency community, RapidSOS is supporting first responders in saving millions of lives annually. To learn more about our technology that’s creating life-saving connections, visit www.rapidsos.com.
About Lumen
Lumen is guided by our belief that humanity is at its best when technology advances the way we live and work. With approximately 450,000 route fiber miles and serving customers in more than 60 countries, we deliver the fastest, most secure platform for applications and data to help businesses, government and communities deliver amazing experiences. Learn more about the Lumen network, edge cloud, security, communication and collaboration solutions and our purpose to further human progress through technology at news.lumen.com/home, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Learn more about Lumen public sector capabilities on Twitter at @lumengov and on LinkedIn at @lumenpublicsector.
You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, call 971-719-1183 or email language@oem.or.us. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. — Oregon Office of Emergency Management
Police Investigating Shooting in Salem Causing I-5 Backup
Police are searching for a suspect following a shooting near an I-5 ramp on Monday afternoon.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic man who is 5’5″ with a shaved or almost shaved head and a mustache. He was also reportedly wearing khaki pants and a khaki shirt. OSP says he was last seen heading south, armed with a firearm.
If you see someone matching the description of the suspect, you are asked to call 911.
Initial reports said Salem Police and a “small number of SWAT officers” responded to the I-5 northbound ramp to Market Street to investigate a shooting. OSP later reported that the victim in the shooting has was transported to a hospital, but their condition is not known.
The law enforcement situation prompted delays along I-5 for drivers heading through Salem, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said. ODOT is asking people to avoid the area if possible while police investigate the shooting.
The Start of Oregon’s Wildfire Season has Already Been Busy
Warm Springs, ORE. – This update is for the S-503 Fire burning on the Warm Springs Reservation. Northwest Incident Management Team 8, a local type 2 team with Incident Commander Kevin Stock assumed management of the S-503 Fire this morning at 0600. The Incident Command Post (IC) is being set up at the Tygh Valley Rodeo Grounds.
Current Status: The S-503 fire has grown to an estimated at 6200 acres and is officially 0% contained but this will be updated today. Resources of crews, engines, dozers, water tenders and aerial support arrived in force yesterday. Firefighters were able to hold the north flank. This was an area of concern as Pine Grove residences lay just to the northeast of the S-503 perimeter. Efforts were aided with lighter winds from the northeast as the footprint moved to the southwest at a slow pace. There was a spot fire to the southeast. The S-503 is roughly 2 miles east of HWY 26 and 7 miles northwest of Simnasho.
Near Bonanza—Firefighters were kept busy overnight suppressing a number of small fires started by drifting embers on the southern and eastern flanks of the Cutoff Fire, six miles north of Bonanza in Klamath County. Fire lines on the northern and western portions of the fire held overnight. Today, firefighters will begin mopping up those portions of the fire, cooling hot spots. Over half of the fire’s 1,150-acre perimeter has been lined. Containment remains at 10 percent.
Current large fires in Oregon: Includes all lands
| Name | Date | Total Acres | ODF Acres | Containment | Location | Cause | Notes |
| Cutoff | June 19, 2021 | 1,500 | 1,000 | 10% | 6 mi. N of Bonanza | Unknown | ODF Team 1 (Type 1 team) in command.Extreme fire behavior. Evacuations and road closures.Fire information |
| S-503 | June 18, 2001 | 4,300 | 700 | 0% | 5 mi. SW of Pine Grove | Unknown | NW Team 8 (Type 2 team) in command.Moderate fire behavior. Evacuations.Fire information |
More information:
Thunderstorms are predicted to bring lightning to southern, south central, and eastern Oregon through Wednesday. The storms should bring enough precipitation to stay below the high-risk threshold for new significant fires; however, wind gusts could challenge control efforts on new and existing fires. Temperatures will cool a bit mid-week and then rise again Thursday into next weekend, with possible record high temperatures.
- ODF wildfire blog and Public Fire Restrictions map
- Regional situation report (Northwest Interagency Coordination Center) and national situation report (NIFC)
- Inciweb (information, photos, videos, and maps from specific incidents)
McMinnville and Salem, Ore. – June 22, 2021 – Oregon Community Foundation announced today that it has selected Providence Health & Services (Providence) to receive a $3.9 million Project Turnkey grant and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) to receive a $4.2 million Project Turnkey grant to purchase and convert area motels into transitional housing for community members in need. These latest grants complete the allocation of the $65 million fund; all Project Turnkey funds are fully deployed, representing a total of 17 projects in 13 counties statewide and 800 new units of housing/non-congregate shelter.
Project Turnkey-McMinnville | Providence and YCAP
A $3.9 million Project Turnkey grant will help Providence support people experiencing homelessness in Yamhill County. The McMinnville-based shelter will be operated in collaboration with Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP), which will provide supportive services to guests.
“We are excited to partner with YCAP and Oregon Community Foundation on addressing homelessness in our area as our Mission calls for us to care for the poor and vulnerable,” said Father Chris Fabre, Chief Mission Officer, Providence Newberg Medical Center. “Addressing homelessness is a key priority for our ministry and this is one step in supporting that initiative.”
The Project Turnkey-McMinnville grant funds will be pooled with funds from Oregon Housing and Community Services and other funds sought through prospective intergovernmental partners. “YCAP’s motel sheltering project has been phenomenally successful at keeping people safe and moving them on to permanent, stable housing,” said Commissioner Casey Kulla, Yamhill County Board of Commissioners. “The purchase of a motel through Project Turnkey is our community’s opportunity to make this good work permanent, as we work towards a county where homelessness is brief and rare. Our most vulnerable residents will be safer and healthier because of this investment.”
The McMinnville project was selected, in part, for the broad outreach and community support. “Oregon Community Foundation is thrilled to partner with Providence and YCAP on this innovative Project Turnkey effort to benefit the residents of Yamhill County,” said Jenn Columbus, Regional Director (Northern Willamette Valley), Oregon Community Foundation “The community engagement strategy, enthusiasm to identify an appropriate facility, and key partners to secure additional funding demonstrate a clear commitment to finding supportive solutions here.”
Key benefits of Project-Turnkey-McMinnville – to be operated by Providence and YCAP – include:
- Safe accommodation and support for Yamhill County community members in need
- Provision of essentials such as food boxes, clothing, showers, hygiene items, etc.
- Help to move people experiencing homelessness from crisis to stability.
- Culturally specific, supportive services including:
- On-site case management
- Health care, including mental health services
- Resource navigation
- Linkages to permanent housing solutions.
“It is an honor to be on the front end of Project Turnkey, spearheading critical work with Providence, OCF and our supportive community partners,” said Alexandra Hendgen, Executive Director, YCAP. “This effort changes the landscape around homelessness in our community in a meaningful way, enacting resources that will make a difference in lives in this moment. Project Turnkey empowers the continuation of the YCAP non-congregate sheltering that has provided a strong path for Yamhill individuals and families to step into stable, positive housing solutions.”
Project Turnkey-Mid-Willamette Valley | MWVCAA and the ARCHES
The Project Turnkey grant will help MWVCAA support fire survivors from the Santiam Canyon. The shelter will be operated by a MWVCAA program called The Arches Project, which will provide connections to many supportive services throughout the broader community.
“We are really excited about expanding our ability to serve our broader community with much needed transitional housing,” says Jimmy Jones, Executive Director, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. “MWVCAA will renovate this local motel to provide appropriate support for Santiam Canyon fire survivors.” Jones went on to express his appreciation for the work of Oregon Community Foundation and the Oregon Legislature to make this possible.
The Project Turnkey funds will be pooled with other funds sought through prospective intergovernmental partners. “We can solve complex problems together when community and government collaborate,” said Megan Loeb, Program Officer, Oregon Community Foundation.
“The Project Turnkey-Mid-Willamette Valley Grant completes the allocation of funds from the Project Turnkey Wildfire Fund, bringing the grand total to 400 units of housing throughout Oregon’s fire-affected counties.”
Key benefits of Project-Turnkey-Mid-Willamette Valley – to be operated by the ARCHES (a program of MWVCAA) – include:
- Safe accommodation and support for fire survivors from the Santiam Canyon.
- Provision of essentials such as food boxes, clothing, showers, hygiene items, etc.
- Help to move fire survivors from crisis to stability.
- Inclusive, supportive services including:
- On-site case management
- Health care, including mental health services
- Resource navigation
- Linkages to permanent housing solutions.
“Our world changed after the wildfires struck Santiam Canyon. We experienced the loss of housing and community as well as a sense of belonging and security,” said Ashley Hamilton, Program Director, the ARCHES, a project of MWVCAA. “Thanks to Project Turnkey, we can rebuild. We offer a safe place for people, access services for daily living and achieve long term housing and stability.”
Oregon Community Foundation offers support for Oregon’s housing needs along a continuum—from shelter to supportive housing to affordable housing to equitable home ownership—through a variety of tools, including research, grants, advocacy, and low-interest loans. OCF’s administration of Project Turnkey is one example of the innovative, collaborative approaches underway to help more Oregonians find stable, affordable housing.
For a complete list of Project Turnkey grant awardees, please visit Project Turnkey online.
About Project Turnkey
The Oregon Legislature allocated a total of $65 million for Project Turnkey for the purpose of acquiring motels/hotels for use as non-congregate shelter for people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Two discrete funds were provided by the state: one totaling $30 million to be awarded in counties and tribal communities impacted by the 2020 wildfires; and one totaling $35 million for the remaining 28 counties in the state. Oregon Community Foundation is administering both funds through an application and selection process, with guidance from an Advisory Committee of state, local, and community stakeholders. For more information, please visit Project Turnkey online.
Providence Health & Services/Oregon
Providence Health & Services in Oregon offers a comprehensive array of health and education services through its eight hospitals, medical clinics, health plans, long-term care facilities and home health services. With more than 20,000 employees, Providence is the state’s largest private employer. Visit www.providence.org/oregon.
About Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP)
YCAP assists residents of Yamhill County, through Client Services and Housing, Energy Services, a regional Food Bank, and Youth Services. To learn more, please visit: yamhillcap.org.
About Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency
MWVCAA is the leading social services provider for Marion and Polk counties. To learn more, please visit: mwvcaa.org.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving–time, talent, and resources from many generous Oregonians–creates measurable change. Throughout 2020, OCF responded quickly and urgently – distributing a record-setting $220 million in charitable dollars to more than 3,000 nonprofits throughout Oregon working to address urgent needs, stabilize communities and prepare for long-term recovery in Oregon. OCF donors responded to the magnitude of need, as reflected in a 44% increase in donor advised fund grantmaking from the previous year. For more information, please visit: oregoncf.org.