Southern Oregon Homelessness Summit Will Examine Causes And Possible Remedies

ASHLAND, Ore. — The homeless crisis in Southern Oregon is a growing concern. In order to address this, a day-long summit will discuss the causes of homelessness. Speakers will address domestic violence, income disparities, and possible solutions.

Ashland’s Housing Program Specialist, Linda Reid, said this month on JPR’s Jefferson Exchange that a lack of housing is one of the causes of homelessness.

She said, “Development is not meeting the housing needs. There is a mismatch between the number of housing units that are being developed each year and the units needed. This is causing a housing crisis that causes housing prices to rise as well.”

The summit has evoked much interest; all 250 tickets have sold out already. Speakers for the summit include Pam Marsh (Oregon State Rep.), OHRA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, officials from the Housing Authority of Jackson County, Jackson County, ACCESS, the City of Ashland, Community Works, the Maslow Project, and others.

Reid further stated, “If we stay in our own lanes, we cannot solve the problem. We have to pool our resources and work together to tackle this huge problem. The causes are great and many, and we cannot isolate just one.”

A press release for the summit said, “This summit is not just another event; we need to heed its call to action. We should all be part of an overall solution. It is a challenge that affects the entire community.”

The date for the summit is Saturday, February. 3, at the Ashland Hills Hotel from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.