Westmoreland Park Homeless Shelter to Close Due to Vandalism and Rising Costs

The Westmoreland Park Homeless Shelter in Eugene, Oregon, is set to close at the end of October 2026. This decision is part of a planned consolidation project by Community Supported Shelters (CSS), which manages the site. The shelter is nearly empty, with its huts removed and the 20 residents relocated to other CSS locations in the area.

The closure has been attributed to vandalism and rising operational costs. Heather Quaas-Annsa, CSS Director, reported significant vandalism at the site, including break-ins, theft, and property damage. This led to increased maintenance needs and costs. Anne Quinn, a resident of a neighboring apartment, noted issues with noise and unmonitored crime, such as drug activities, further complicating the shelter’s operation.

CSS has faced challenges in maintaining the shelter due to these issues and a decrease in funding. The organization has had to consolidate resources to continue providing services effectively. This year, CSS operates with about 150 beds, contracted for 125 beds with the city of Eugene. Alyssa Cody, Strategic Communications Manager for the Unhoused Response in Eugene, emphasized that the city and CSS are not attempting to reduce shelter beds, especially given the existing gap between the number of unsheltered individuals and available shelter beds in the community.

The city of Eugene contributes $2,375,000 over its two-year budget to CSS for a total of 125 shelter beds. This funding is crucial as the city struggles to meet the shelter needs of its community, with approximately 3,000 people living unsheltered and only about 1,000 shelter beds available citywide. This situation underscores the challenges faced by both the city and CSS in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity, reflecting the ongoing need for community support and effective public policy to care for vulnerable neighbors.

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