The homeless in Lane County: 'Help them get back on the right track'
By Denae D'Arcy KVAL NewsEUGENE, Ore. -- Erin Bonner with Eugene and Springfield's Sheltercare believes homeless people have a hard time getting off the streets and that's why those with an addiction cannot get sober. "You get people into housing," says Bonner, "whether they're still using alcohol or drugs because you can't fix those things when people are on the streets." She supports the "housing first" model provided by Sheltercare. "Housing first" means a homeless person is placed in housing even if they have pets, are intoxicated or have an addiction problem. "Often times when people are able to procure housing in whatever form," Bonner says, "alcohol and drugs are not needed for coping anymore." She says Sheltercare has a 95 percent success rate with the housing first program. Bonner estimates eight apartments in Springfield have helped approximately 65 people get off the streets in three years. While Bonner appreciates all organizations in town that help the homeless, she says some put up barriers. "The Eugene Mission provides a very valuable service but there are strings attached," Bonner says. The director of the mission, Ernie Unger, says the mission offers 24 hours of assistance to people in exchange for one hour of chapel services. "Many need the prayers of someone else," says Unger. "The purpose of the mission is to bring hope, including the gospel." Bonner would like to see more affordable housing in Eugene for homeless people to move into once they are finished with transitional housing. "If they feel like the community cares and does one little thing to make their day better that can help them get back on the right track in their life," Bonner says. In 2006, the Lane County Commissioners came up with a 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness. It has five steps including:
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