The City of Redmond is set to discuss an ordinance change that would allow micro-shelter units at safe parking sites. Redmond’s current safe parking code only allows vehicles at safe parking spaces. While those in support believe the allowance of micro-shelter units will open up more opportunities for unhoused residents, some wonder if these sites could be seen as less temporary.
The City of Redmond has seen major progress in its safe parking program, offering roughly 33 spots within city limits. Its program allows businesses to open parking spots to allow for a certain number of individuals to safely live in their vehicles, with access to services and case management.
A new proposal to allow pod shelters at safe parking sites, in addition to vehicles, came up at a Nov. 26 City Council meeting. While city councilors see the benefit, and feel it could be helpful in certain areas, some worried that building these temporary tiny homes could create a more permanent situation. Councilors also hope to clarify the parameters of the ordinance and hear from residents to gauge interest on this code amendment.
“They are temporary, so these are not meant to be a permanent shelter. They are meant to provide a place for people to get out of the weather,” said Rick Russell, executive director of Mountain View Community Development, the entity that runs the safe parking program in Redmond.
Mountain View Community Development has been offering safe parking in Redmond for three years now. According to Russell, the nonprofit has encountered several individuals who would benefit from the use of micro-shelters. Some of the folks looking to be part of the safe parking program, he said, will show up without a vehicle, or have an immovable or failing RV that they want to transition out of.
“That’s a really positive thing when someone is ready to get out of their RV and move on to something. If we can seize that moment, the chances of them really being invested in working toward stable housing really go up,” he told the Source Weekly.
The City of Bend currently allows pod shelters in its safe parking code. Bend Church is one location that has offered micro-shelters in safe parking spaces for over two years now. The church has two pod shelters on its property, taking up about five of its parking spots.
“We have had zero problems with our people,” said Jen Stuart, lead pastor at Bend Church. “We’ve had multiple people find housing after being here. Our whole thought was just to show people, like, this isn’t scary.”
Russell spoke to Redmond city councilors on Jan. 6 during a council work session and urged them to take advantage of limited funding available for micro-shelters.
In June, Gov. Tina Kotek agreed to award Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council $1 million in shelter pod funding.
Today, according to Russell, about $450,000 remains from Kotek’s pod funding. As the funding expires in late June, Russell believes the city should act fast.
The Redmond City Council agreed to continue its discussion and make a decision at a future city council meeting.
This article appears in The Source Weekly January 9, 2025.
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