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.”