Community, Faith Organizations Host Homelessness Town Hall in Klamath Falls, Oregon

Klamath Falls community members and faith-based organizations came together for a town hall event aimed at fostering open dialogue and raising awareness about local efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness. The gathering, organized by the Klamath Basin Faith-based Council, featured presentations from various community resource providers, including the Klamath Falls Gospel Mission, Thrive Church Warming Center, and the Veterans Administration.

Val Lane, co-facilitator of the Klamath Basin Faith-based Council, emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing homelessness. “We’ve gathered information… Hopefully there are people here who want to look at this from a perspective of ‘I can give more myself’ or ‘this is a concern I have, but I’m not sure how to address it,’” Lane said. She encouraged attendees to consider joining the homelessness task force, which is currently seeking new members.

The event highlighted the top 10 reasons for homelessness in the U.S., with Klamath County showing some notably higher statistics. Poverty and the “working poor” populations in the area are higher than the national average, with 34% of residents meeting the status of ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) and 12% living below the poverty level.

Local resources are available year-round to serve different needs. Thrive Church Warming Center provides a safe place to stay during the colder months, from December 1 to March 15. Lead Pastor Kevin Drake noted that due to its proximity to a middle school, the center can only house individuals between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. during that time. The center typically serves an average of 40 guests each night, offering meals, warm showers, and a safe sleeping space.

Guests at the warming center are provided with full meals at dinner and breakfast, warm showers, and a safe place to sleep. One of the needs identified is the lack of daytime shelter options, which remains a challenge for many in the community.

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