A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in our community with the planned eviction of all homeless campers in the China Hat area of the Deschutes National Forest effective May 1. It is estimated that 100-200 homeless individuals live there, many of them with physical and/or mental disabilities. They risk fines of $5000 or a year in jail if they do not vacate by May 1. With shelters full, most of these individuals have no place to go.

We understand the challenge of balancing the needs of forest management with those of homeless individuals; yet, to evict homeless individuals without offering them a place where they may stay is  inhumane. You can help by requesting the implementation of an effective mitigation plan before evicting homeless campers. Contact the County Commissioners at board@deschutes.org, the Bend City Council at council@bendoregon.gov or The Deschutes National Forest Supervisor Holly Jewkes at SM.FS.BFR_FD@usda.gov. You can also stand with us at China Hat on May 1 beginning at 9 a.m. when a press conference will be held.

For further information, contact us at: Central Oregon Homelessness Forum