Oregon Community Foundation Awards $2.55 Million to the City of Medford and Rogue Retreat Partnership to Help Almeda Fire Victims

According to a City of Medford media release, “on Wednesday, March 10 the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) announced funding for a Medford Project Turnkey facility which will transform an existing Medford Motel, the Redwood Inn, into emergency housing for Almeda Fire victims and houseless individuals.

Upon completion, the transformation will provide 47 apartments with kitchenettes to individuals and families in need. Rogue Retreat will operate the new facility.

‘I’m thrilled that Rogue Retreat and the City of Medford are receiving funding for a Project Turnkey facility. This is a giant step in the community’s efforts to help individuals in crisis more toward stability and permanent housing,’

A news release from the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) adds that “co-applicants Rogue Retreat and the City of Medford were also selected to receive a Project Turnkey grant, in the amount of $2.55 million in state funds to purchase and transform a 47-room motel in Medford, Oregon. Priority will be given to individuals and families displaced by the Almeda Fire, as well as people vulnerable to COVID who need to isolate.

‘We’re grateful to the Oregon Community Foundation for helping make this effort a reality. The need for housing in our community is at a dire level and the Almeda Fire only exacerbated the problem,’ says Medford Mayor, Randy Sparacino. ‘Myself and the Council have made housing a top priority and our support of this project is a step in the right direction to help provide affordable housing options to individuals and families in need.

Located at 722 N Riverside, Medford, OR, Rogue Retreat and the City of Medford anticipate the facility to be in use beginning in March 2021.

About Project Turnkey

The Oregon Legislature allocated a total of $65 million for Project Turnkey for the purpose of acquiring motels/hotels for use as non-congregate shelter for people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Two discrete funds were provided by the state: one totaling $30 million to be awarded in counties and tribal communities impacted by the 2020 wildfires; and one totaling $35 million for the remaining 28 counties in the state. Oregon Community Foundation is administering both funds through an application and selection process, with guidance from an Advisory Committee of state, local, and community stakeholders. For more information, please visit Project Turnkey online.”