Deschutes County Commissioners and Bend City Council agree to extend Temporary Safe Stay Area operations

Deschutes County and the City of Bend held a joint meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to discuss issues and receive updates on multiple topics, including next steps for the Temporary Safe Stay Area (TSSA).

The Temporary Safe Stay Area, established in 2025 for dispersed campers, includes County- and City-owned land near Juniper Ridge. Through a joint agreement, Deschutes County and the City of Bend manage the area to reduce health and safety concerns, mitigate wildfire risks, and provide hygiene services for those experiencing homelessness.

The County and City are moving forward with a coordinated plan to extend operations at the Temporary Safe Stay Area and take meaningful steps to help individuals transition out of homelessness. The deadline for the full closure of the Temporary Safe Stay Area has been extended from Dec. 31, 2026, to June 30, 2027. However, the planned closure of northern and eastern portions of the Temporary Safe Stay Area (sections 1 and 2, see map below) will still proceed in June 2026.

A majority of each body expressed support for the six-month extension, and each will consider an updated framework for formal approval at upcoming public meetings.

"Delaying the closure by six months gives us time to develop more pathways out of homelessness for people and reduces the likelihood that TSSA campers will disperse to new unsanctioned encampments in our community," said Deschutes County Commissioner Chair Phil Chang.

"We're focused on helping people find solutions to move into more permanent housing," said City of Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. "With a little more time and clearer guidelines, we are ensuring the Temporary Safe Stay Area can be safely managed while allowing continued collaboration with the service providers who are steadily moving people out of homelessness and into housing."

As part of the updated Temporary Safe Stay Area framework, both County and City staff will collaborate to develop additional guidance to ensure the site can be safely and effectively managed while supporting people as they work towards more stable housing. The updated guidance will focus on:

• Managing the current population without expanding it.
  Following the initial closure of sections 1 and 2, which will reduce the overall size of the Temporary Safe Stay Area, camping and services will be limited to those already living there, discouraging additional occupants. The focus will be on stabilizing and assisting those already on-site.

• Providing structure to support long-term solutions.
  Continue to provide financial support to service providers to ensure continued participation and cooperation. This effort helps those living in the Temporary Safe Stay Area access resources and pathways out of homelessness. Existing rules and regulations will continue to be enforced, including expectations for conduct.

During the joint meeting, both bodies directed staff to move forward with the phased closure and reduction of the Temporary Safe Stay Area as outlined in the 2024 joint resolutions. By June 2026, the designated land will be reduced from about 170 acres to approximately 75 acres, with full closure set for on or before June 30, 2027.

Formal notices of property closure and the need to vacate will begin by March 2026 for individuals living in sections 1 and 2 of the Temporary Safe Stay Area. Those receiving notices will have the opportunity to relocate to the remaining 75 acres (sections 3 and 4, see map below) and will be offered services to find alternative housing, if available.

This phased approach aims to create a more manageable site and support meaningful engagement with residents for the remaining term of the Temporary Safe Stay Area.

Deschutes County will determine how to fund its portion of the updated plan.
The City of Bend is expected to consider using one-time proceeds from recent land sales to help fund its share. This will be discussed at an upcoming City Council work session.

Both the City of Bend and Deschutes County must take formal votes to approve the updated framework and its funding.

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Media contact:

Jacob Larsen, Community Relations Manager
541-647-0696, [email protected]

Kim Katchur, Public Information Officer

541-322-7441, [email protected]