Poverty and Homelessness Board All Member Meeting: October 15, 2026

The Lane County Poverty and Homelessness Board held its all-member meeting on October 15, 2026. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including August and September minutes and the September revenue and expenditure statement. It also approved the advocacy plan, with one member abstaining. The plan asks state legislators to sustain homelessness-related funding, including $44.3 million for long-term rent assistance, and seeks an additional $25.5 million to sustain existing shelter beds and add 271 beds. It also calls for sustaining federal funding and preserving Oregon’s HB 3115. Members discussed coordinating advocacy and proposed asking the county’s legislative lobbyist to meet with the board before the legislative session. These were advocacy requests; no new appropriations or contracts were approved at the meeting.

The board received an update on the shelter RFP process, but the task group had not yet finalized recommendations. It is reviewing shelter models, RFP structure and categories, and options for the county-owned Navigation Center site. Recommendations are expected at the November meeting, with a presentation to county commissioners on December 1 and an RFP planned for January 2027 for funding expected in July. No vendor selection or contract award occurred. Winter planning updates included increased motel-voucher availability for families with minor children, donated cots and blankets for Egan Warming Center, and continued severe-weather coordination. The board also heard an update on HUD-related litigation and a presentation of the Lane Help community resource website.